02.01.2010


   
Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of magine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.

Michael is a
Certified Practitioner
of the
Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator.

Find us on Facebook

Do you know someone
who might benefit
from our weekly email?

 








Join Our Mailing List
A familiar riff...   
The Apostle Paul, defending his faith in God before the philosophers of ancient Athens, declared, "for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children'" (Acts 17:28). Paul, like you and me, found value in the words and music of other cultures, of other beliefs. Words and music, their authors and composers, have been a well-spring of illumination and inspiration to me. And I cherish the opportunities I've had to be in the "the building" with some of my most influential literary and musical heroes. Just now, I'm thinking, in particular, of musicians.
 
I've been privileged to witness Paul McCartney step forward into his microphone, clutch his guitar tightly at a forty-five degree angle, and sing, "All My Loving,"--as I'd watched him do on film in the company of The Beatles for fifty years...Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, in spite of their discordant personalities, blend their dulcet voices when recalling the parable of "The Boxer"...Sting, in the presence of Paul Simon, soulfully cover the anthem of a generation, "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

I've listened to James Taylor tell of his drive through the night to see his newborn nephew, James; of the lullaby that took shape as he drove "the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston"...Neil Diamond reprise his legendary walk-off and encore from "Hot August Night"...Eric Clapton, years in recovery, somewhat sheepishly, playfully, yet raucously, sing "Cocaine"; watching his hands play chords on his guitar in its own unmistakable voice...ABBA, their music and dance flawlessly choreographed and performed from memory, in a language they could neither speak nor understand.
 
I've visited backstage countless times with cousin and blues guitar legend Robben Ford. We've talked of family and of creativity, and of his collaboration with men and women--those I'd regard as musical immortals; he'd regard as fellow tradesmen--including Miles Davis, Vince Gill, George Harrison, Joni Mitchell, Michael Montgomery, Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Witherspoon, and others.
 
I've watched Lindsay Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac tease fans with a protracted, improvised guitar solo and deftly segue into the familiar, powerful opening riffs of "Go Your Own Way"...Bob Seger passionately sing, what he sweetly described as his mother's favorite, "We've Got Tonight"...An unannounced performer modestly open for the Eagles a half a lifetime ago--a rock and roll icon largely unseen for a decade; he dressed in black, sporting dark shades, unrecognized by most of the too-young crowd--mercy, they went wild though when they recognized the strains of "Pretty Woman"....Jeff Lynne and Electric Light Orchestra, with their innovative fusion of old and new. Jeff Lynne who--with Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty--would later do wonderful things as The Traveling Wilburys.

I've been there to see Elton John, under and in front of the stars in Hollywood--poised at his grand piano and accompanied by legendary percussionist Ray Cooper--perform "Funeral for a Friend"...Mick Jagger--at the youthful age of seventy-two--skip up and down the runway a hundred feet into the crowd, while alternately shouting, singing, "Tumbling Dice"...Elvis--the rejuvenated, thin, incarnation--exit the stage following an encore; the lights raised as if jarring the dreaming back to reality; and a disembodied voice inform the disappointed crowd, "Elvis has left the building."
 
The desolation felt at the raising of the lights reflects the power of music. In the space of an evening, the best of performers make us feel as if we are among their intimates. They seem to perceive and express our hearts and minds better than even we are able to communicate.
 
And then they leave us in the building to pay the check. 

Oh, well, I owe them that much.
 
 
Think back upon the meaningful moments of song you've enjoyed. Share the experience with the next generation.
 
What songs from the radio have had a positive impact on your spiritual formation? Have you consciously acknowledged their influence?
 
What would it take to assemble a playlist of "your greatest hits" that might continue to illuminate and inspire your spiritual journey?


Michael Fox
m�agine!

530/613.2774
407 Myrtle Drive
Farmerville, LA, USA 71241  
In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models
--Values, Vision, Voice
and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength--

as well as
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator� curriculum
published by CPP, the People Development People.

Michael's books include
 
Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook,
and Biblio�files.

Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
For additional information, visit our website at maginethepossibilities.net.

Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.

View our archives!