08.31.09
Godwinks
Comedy Around the World has gone to a lot of places. Countries. Cities. States of mind. Today’s location is ephemeral. Shiftless. Shapeless. It’s geography can be anywhere. Today we visit a Godwink. This is something SQuire Rushnell describes in his books as a coincidental happening. A ‘wink’ from God–not telling you what to do. Instead, it is a supportive message that you are on the exact right path for you. You are living your purpose.
Tonight I experienced a Godwink at a singing event.
I wasn’t in the mood to sing. And especially not when I realized there were more than 15 people on the schedule! My dog needs fed. The cats are probably at home beating each other up. I still haven’t typed everything for tomorrow’s meeting with my advisor. I need a hair cut.
Then, towards the end of the event, a trumpeter took the stage. Since I’m not a big fan of the trumpet, I was secretly wondering what kinds of cookies they had for us downstairs at the reception.
All of a sudden, the guy announces that he’ll play a song. And–it was the song that started it all for my comedic violin phase of my act. The same song.
“What are the chances of THAT happening?” as Rushnell would say.
Several years ago, I had practiced, and even memorized that song. The first time I played it in public, I was the model speaker for a speech contest. We don’t call it a target speaker, because that makes public speaking even more frightening for the speaker.
I played my song. I played it under control. Beautifully, I thought. My speech explained about trying something new, since I took up violin later in life–not at age 5 when you’re supposed to start learning violin.
After the contest, several people came up to me and asked if I use my violin in my comedy act. What do you mean? I asked them.
They explained that, “That was so funny when you played that song so badly!”
I thought I played great! Seriously! I asked them how I could incorporate the violin into my act. And they gave me ideas. Lots of them.
And I never forgot that song.
What Godwinks can you find in your day?
Not only do these Godwinks let you know everything is O.K. and you’re on the right path. But they can also help you to relax and to not take things–or yourself–too seriously.
I think that sounds a lot like–Humor.
