The Rusty Trumpet Player

In a world full of auto tune, I'd rather listen to rusty.

Rust and Squiggles: 

During a recent gathering with live music, my sister and I expressed our admiration to the musicians after their performance. When we complimented the trumpet player, he humbly admitted he felt a bit "rusty." I responded, "In a world full of auto-tune, I'd rather listen to Rusty." I could tell that this comment resonated with him on a deeper level. It acknowledged his human imperfections.

Our world is flooded with fake news, digitally altered images, and automated email responses. Our connections and friendships often occur via technology, making them feel robotic and unnatural. It's as if everything is genetically modified and artificially enhanced, leading to a growing sense of disconnection and inauthenticity in our lives.

We often chase after perfection and safety, but they can be uninspiring. Perfectionism doesn't offer the necessary challenges for personal growth, and an obsession with constant safety can strip us of risk-taking.  And the best way to find authenticity in this world is to look for small errors, or what I like to call "the squiggles."

I love the squiggles. I love the tiny bits of variation that fall just outside the perfection zone. I love it when a singer is so full of life and emotion that his or her voice cracks a little. Or, when I’m looking at a painting, I notice random brushstrokes drawn out a tiny bit further than they should have been. That's real. That’s truly living. 

Life is about constantly expanding our perspectives, and I believe the squiggles serve an important purpose. They deliver us to unknown emotions, places, experiences, notes, etc. They fill the gap that connects us to the unknown. And the unknown is the place where the true magic happens. 

Your Turn: 

Authenticity is about accepting the tiny variations. Your dots shouldn't always be in a straight line; sometimes, they will curve and create beautiful patterns.

I want to take a moment to point out that there is a fine line between authenticity and integrity. You don't want your dots so out of line that you lose sight of your message. I'm talking about the tiny errors that remind others of your humanness. 

Imperfection in art and live music adds a unique human touch, making the piece more relatable and emotionally resonant. It brings surprise and spontaneity, sparking curiosity and engagement from the audience. Ultimately, these imperfections can elevate the art form, creating a deeper connection between the creator and the viewer or listener.

So, to recap, the squiggles ...they:

1. Extend your boundaries and take you out further into the unknown

2. Show the authenticity of a human creation

3. Demonstrate genuine human connection

Now that you know this, how can you embrace and savor the tiny mistakes (or variations) in your life? How can you make "the squiggles" a way of life? 

Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed. And this includes truly owning your perfectly imperfect humanness. 

Amor y Canela, 

Monica