Something I’ve been thinking about lately is the moments where I feel most alive, and one of the strongest for me is when I’m at a concert or gig. It brings me such overwhelming joy and a sense of connection, that typically, during some point in the show, I’ll have a little cry (yes, highly sensitive, Cancer energy over here).
Alongside the music I think it’s the sense of freedom; the signing, the dancing. Being completely present in something joyful whilst gathering with others and feeling that sense of all being in it together. The true connection music can bring.
Last week I went to see Green Day and the week before that Foo Fighters, which is what’s got me thinking about this more. Another stand out concert for me was seeing Coldplay (so much so I booked to go again, and it was just as magical second time round).
Interestingly, I also feel most alive when meditating in a group setting or on retreats, or when I’m gazing at a full moon. The complete opposite in terms of stimulation, but a sense of connection that takes me out of my head, into my body and right there in that present moment… So not too dissimilar in terms of the end result!
So, I’d love to know, when do you feel most alive? Is it music like me, or something else? (perhaps we can share some moments in the comments and see whether key things stand out).
and one final thing to ponder over… how can you bring more of that into your life?
Completely agree with the feeling you get at a gig or concert. The music, the atmosphere, I absolutely love it and it indeed gives me the feeling of really being alive. I love seeing new bands and being all excited and curious to know how the show will go, which songs they are going to play, if they will talk a lot or not. And then there are a few bands that I’ve seen so many times that it doesn’t matter what their show is like, I know it’s going to be good and I’ll have a great evening. My most memorable concerts are probably the ones where the atmosphere in the crowd was superb. You are in a crowd full of strangers and somehow you are so connected, having the same wonderful experience. I have a festival on Saturday and I’m so excited!
So true, they really don't feel like strangers either do they! Amazing how much music can connect us in this way. Hope you have a lovely weekend and time at the festival - jealous! I have Reading at the end of August, so looking forward to that
Music is definitely one of mine, I LOVE live music of all kinds, from small acoustic gigs to huge stadium events. There is literally nothing like the buzz of being in a crowd, singing the same song with 60, 600 or 60,000 people. For the big ones I really have to be on the pitch in the crowd, and however exhausted I feel aftewards it's life affirming. We were lucky enough to get front stage wristbands for the Foos at Cardiff, absolutely amazing!
The other is a long walk, by the coast or in the hills, somewhere with a really great view to take the breath away and feel like a true reward for the work to get there. Both things make me tearful in a good way.
hmm what a question! I feel very alive when I am holding space for group work and reacting to and responding to women who have joined me for that session, regardless of what it'd about. I'm just fascinated by that whole dynamic. I also feel alive in a calmer, less energetic way when I am birdwatching with my son - I like birdwatching but I am also feeling the aliveness of that connection and being with him. I feel alive when discussing ideas with other curious, imaginative souls. That really lights me up.
I felt all my feelings at once at a lorde concert lol but also it's when I'm sitting outside on a really hot day and the sun's heat is so loud it's all i can feel and think about. feeling the heat on my skin really reminds me that i am alive and makes me so happy☀️ what a lovely question!
I LOVE Lorde! I saw her once years ago and fell in love with her music after that... The heat one is interesting, I know what you mean, especially in spring post winter!
Oh, it is definitely music for me - Festivals are some of the best - or at a Gig where I know the bands music well or when the band involves the crowd like Nickleback do/did at their most recent gig! I am also going to see Foo Fighters this evening and so excited - it’s the energy of the crowd I think - and as you say that sense of connection….and on my flip side - I feel alive when I’m swimming in the sea, watching the clouds, feeling the cold water surrounding me or when I’m walking amongst the trees especially after the rain - breathing in that just rained smell - the absolute best thing ever
Ahh I’m so excited for you to see Foo Fighters, they were incredible! Agreed with swimming in the sea, I haven't been able to do that in so long but it's a gorgeous feeling... Enjoy tonight!
I agree with feeling alive at concerts, it's the same for me when I'm watching a theatre production. The biggest moment when I feel most alive is when I'm out in nature. Yesterday, I went to RSPB's Fairburn Ings and I had a sense of calm and a smile on my face the entire time I was there. One of the quarterly goals for the summer is to prioritise a couple days a month where I plan a day trip somewhere in nature.
I feel SO alive when connected to nature. It's amazing. Humans spend so much time indoors, but when you walk out into a park or something you can FEEL the vitality pulsing, and it's amazing. I haven't been to a concert in ages, although reading this I need to!, but it seems like a similar sense of vitality, connected to something bigger that reminds you life is so much bigger than any of our individual worries or stresses. We're all so siloed these days, and I bet a concert where everyone is singing and sharing in that vibe feels so amazing.
Completely agree with the feeling you get at a gig or concert. The music, the atmosphere, I absolutely love it and it indeed gives me the feeling of really being alive. I love seeing new bands and being all excited and curious to know how the show will go, which songs they are going to play, if they will talk a lot or not. And then there are a few bands that I’ve seen so many times that it doesn’t matter what their show is like, I know it’s going to be good and I’ll have a great evening. My most memorable concerts are probably the ones where the atmosphere in the crowd was superb. You are in a crowd full of strangers and somehow you are so connected, having the same wonderful experience. I have a festival on Saturday and I’m so excited!
So true, they really don't feel like strangers either do they! Amazing how much music can connect us in this way. Hope you have a lovely weekend and time at the festival - jealous! I have Reading at the end of August, so looking forward to that
Music is definitely one of mine, I LOVE live music of all kinds, from small acoustic gigs to huge stadium events. There is literally nothing like the buzz of being in a crowd, singing the same song with 60, 600 or 60,000 people. For the big ones I really have to be on the pitch in the crowd, and however exhausted I feel aftewards it's life affirming. We were lucky enough to get front stage wristbands for the Foos at Cardiff, absolutely amazing!
The other is a long walk, by the coast or in the hills, somewhere with a really great view to take the breath away and feel like a true reward for the work to get there. Both things make me tearful in a good way.
It really is a buzz, that sounds incredible being front stage - what an experience!
hmm what a question! I feel very alive when I am holding space for group work and reacting to and responding to women who have joined me for that session, regardless of what it'd about. I'm just fascinated by that whole dynamic. I also feel alive in a calmer, less energetic way when I am birdwatching with my son - I like birdwatching but I am also feeling the aliveness of that connection and being with him. I feel alive when discussing ideas with other curious, imaginative souls. That really lights me up.
So beautiful Sarah, agreed that there's something magical about holding space and the sense of connection to the moment that brings!
I felt all my feelings at once at a lorde concert lol but also it's when I'm sitting outside on a really hot day and the sun's heat is so loud it's all i can feel and think about. feeling the heat on my skin really reminds me that i am alive and makes me so happy☀️ what a lovely question!
I LOVE Lorde! I saw her once years ago and fell in love with her music after that... The heat one is interesting, I know what you mean, especially in spring post winter!
Oh, it is definitely music for me - Festivals are some of the best - or at a Gig where I know the bands music well or when the band involves the crowd like Nickleback do/did at their most recent gig! I am also going to see Foo Fighters this evening and so excited - it’s the energy of the crowd I think - and as you say that sense of connection….and on my flip side - I feel alive when I’m swimming in the sea, watching the clouds, feeling the cold water surrounding me or when I’m walking amongst the trees especially after the rain - breathing in that just rained smell - the absolute best thing ever
Ahh I’m so excited for you to see Foo Fighters, they were incredible! Agreed with swimming in the sea, I haven't been able to do that in so long but it's a gorgeous feeling... Enjoy tonight!
Live music definitely makes me feel alive! Have three festivals in August planned and then another gig in September.
Also managed to secure You Me At Six tickets for next year and I just know my soul is going burst with joy at seeing them again, albeit the last time!
I agree with feeling alive at concerts, it's the same for me when I'm watching a theatre production. The biggest moment when I feel most alive is when I'm out in nature. Yesterday, I went to RSPB's Fairburn Ings and I had a sense of calm and a smile on my face the entire time I was there. One of the quarterly goals for the summer is to prioritise a couple days a month where I plan a day trip somewhere in nature.
I feel SO alive when connected to nature. It's amazing. Humans spend so much time indoors, but when you walk out into a park or something you can FEEL the vitality pulsing, and it's amazing. I haven't been to a concert in ages, although reading this I need to!, but it seems like a similar sense of vitality, connected to something bigger that reminds you life is so much bigger than any of our individual worries or stresses. We're all so siloed these days, and I bet a concert where everyone is singing and sharing in that vibe feels so amazing.