Gratitude Adjustment: A Tool for Appreciating the Live Experience

I paid $250 to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band play at Chase Center on Holy Thursday. Fortunately the hex of Ticketmaster was included in that hefty price tag. My seats were approximately 21 rows from the stage—albeit, the back of it. The crowd in front of me stood for the vast majority of the three hour show because we needed to and we wanted to...I didn't mind. I have seen the Boss 24 times. I never really question whether or not I will attend. But this time around, a number of questions found me. They have lingered long. A few are nagging. Certain ones require answers. Maybe you have your own.

Whether or not it's Springsteen, I think fans ought to question the cost and the value of a ticket. For $250, I got a three hour live performance. I agree with Springsteen's manager. Jon Landau who said “I believe that in today’s environment, that is a fair price to see someone universally regarded as among the very greatest artists of his generation.” But, I'm not paying for another person, children or my family. Some fans can and do spend much more, others were left “dispirited, downhearted and yes, disillusioned.” What's a fan to do?

Fortunately, I found one solution. Although it is not surprising or revolutionary, I think it's an important spiritual discipline: intentional gratitude. Attending a concert, a professional sporting event, or a live performance is a privilege. Some find their way to them regularly. Other make an annual trek. A few are checks on the proverbial bucket list. Regardless, the opportunity and ability to attend a ticketed event is a gift. None is a given. 

“If dreams came true well wouldn’t that be nice.” -Bruce Springsteen, from “Prove it All Night.”
Missed this one due to the price of the ticket. A cool $600...

I did not see "Springsteen: Live on Broadway." I drew a line in the sand of my check book. I am happy for those fans who went—I mean it, and I was happy to watch it on Netflix. Springsteen had a second show on Easter Sunday at Chase. I had hoped to find a last minute deal and see if I could crash the party, arriving late after an Easter feast. No luck. Instead, I focused on the show I did see and I made a point of answering the four questions outlined in "A Gratitude Adjustment."

According to WomansDay.com "All it takes is recognizing what's good in or about your life and why it's happening. Start by creating your own Yay! list. Here are four questions to guide you." I have the questions and my answers below. 

1. A sight, sound or taste I savored
There is much to hear—29 songs in total and much to see in a singular show. Turns out there are 17 people on stage forming the E Street Band, choir, and a versatile section of horns. 

The sight and sound that I enjoyed the most was Springsteen covering "Night Shift" —The Commodore's hit tribute to Marvin Gaye. Bruce has a lot of soul and this performance was only enhanced by Curtis King. He toured with the Boss from 2009-2014 and still has the voice of an angel. What a great performance. Thank you.

2. Someone who showed up for me.
I find it both mysterious and strange that Bruce's wife, Patti Scialfa never shows up for Bay Area performances. However, a good number of friends did show up for this Thursday night show and brought their kids to see the living legend. 

I sat with my longtime friend and colleague Sean and toward the end of the show, I saw my friends—the Murray family— were sitting just one section over and a few rows down. They told us to come down to their seats so we could take a picture together. This was my favorite part of the night. Not only did we gain a killer vantage, I got to enjoy the show with the four of them. BONUS!

The Murrays show up for me time and again. I don't think they realize how much their presence matters and to me and brightens my day. Whether it's a quick hello, watching a game, having a beer or giving me a ride— I feel as though every member of their family shows up for me. Encouraging Sean and me to join them captures who they are: welcoming, inclusive, and present. #Grateful

I feel so lucky to share so many memories with these girls.

3. This made me smile.
I hate the comment "if you know you know" BUT if you know the first few drum beats of  Atlantic City—you know. And I knew. My set list wish came true. I couldn't help but smile. 

I saw the fluorescent yellow sign in the pit calling for the Nebraska hit. I was hopeful The Boss would take the request. Who doesn't love it when he calls a great audible. Great choice, outstanding song. Still smiling....

4. I learned this cool new thing
I have always wondered why Bruce wears black wrist bands. When you're a rock star, you get away with a number of fashionable question marks. Turns out it is an arthritic thumb brace. This might be the only sign of wear and tare on the man who turns 75 on September 23, 2024. 

I don't know that an arm brace is that cool, but I did learn this new thing via a review of the show—one that gave props for "some really aggressive and muscular guitar playing from the bandleader himself." Shredding the fender at 74 during "Prove It All Night?!" Not sure what's more cool than that.

In Conclusion
Although it's formal, I think the four questions on the Yay! list are a helpful way to practice gratitude. I had so many thoughts after the concert, and the perspectives of each question helped me to ground my experience and create memories that I cherish. I think I do appreciate opportunities I have been given, but I also hold many of them in question. 

I have been haunted—in a good way—by a Niko Moon concert I saw just six days before Springsteen. The country/pop artist played at the Fillmore and the ticket cost me just $24 ($37 with Ticketmaster fees). I went into that show with NO pressure or expectations—in part, because of the price point. The cost of a Springsteen ticket puts a person into more than just sticker shock. Springsteen knows what his fans are going to ask of him. His shows are physically and emotionally taxing—for all in attendance. It's his gift to music and all of us. Would I do it again? 100%. Will I raise other questions? No doubt. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. These are important ones to live with. I'd like to know what yours might be.

If they pertain to how he does what he does at his age? I have a few thoughts ;-) And I'm grateful he does. Thank you, Bruce. Thank you Sean. Thank you Kealy, Mike, Catherine and Maddie. Thank you E Street. Long live...

Photo Credits
Ticket Cost
Bruce Wrist Bands

Good Recommedation, Great Friend: The Gift of Building Others Up

We get recommendations about shows to watch and movies to see all the time. What prompts you to put that series into your queue? What gets you to press play? How often do you really listen to a friend or family member's advice?

I believe I follow up on a recommendation based on the message and the messenger. Sorta. If it's a messenger I know and trust, a person who "gets" my passions, interests, indiosyncracies— then I am all in. I'm grateful for these influencers. And one of the best is my friend and classmate, Alex Montoya.

Check out this photo....Cyndi Lauper. MJ. The Boss. Is that Kenny Loggins or Billy Joel?!

In late January 2024, Alex sent me a text that said: You have to see “The Greatest Night in Pop” on Netflix. Wow.

Alex knows me. He knows and shares my love of music. I opened up my laptop and 96 minutes later came up for air. I must have emailed and texted any and everyone my age and older who I knew would delight in the collaborative genius.

However, I thanked Alex for the recommendation first. We shared our observations and musing. His insights are always on point—or rather in tune and on key. He asked me when I was going to write about the program  for this blog. I gave it a pass—but not a hard one. I quoted from another one of our favorites movies and said "negative ghostrider. The pattern is full." I added, "Remember, this is a blog about sports and spirituality!"  Though I have touched on music over the years, my focus is always on sports...sports with a spiritual problem. And nothing about this documentary connected those dots. That is, until it did. It does. It has. It will. Here's the scoop.

Readers look good on you, A-Mo

Thirty five plus years of being a Springsteen fan has given me a lot of expsoure to and understanding of The Boss. I've seen him live 23 times, I have read at least five books about him, countless articles and more. I always pay very close attention to his message, his body language, his affect and his insights when he speaks in concert and especially in interviews. When Bruce Springsteen weighs in on a music documentary, people listen. Though I find him rather diffident, he is a legend, a musical genius, a singer and a songwriter, a poet and a performer.

Springsteen plays an important part in the recording of "We Are the World." Coming in hot from the Born in the USA tour, he made a good effort to be in Los Angeles for the session. Almost 40 years later, he still looks good (he turns 75 on 9/23). He recalls why he decided to show up and what that great night was like. As the egos were checked at the door and different voices found their harmony, in one snapshot scence (from today) Springsteen said, "Steve Perry can sing. He's got that great voice, up in that Sam Cooke territory."His words did not surprise me. The  realization I had from the documentary however did.

Bruce Springsteen always always always builds up other musicians. In countless interviews, I have heard him name the music he is listening to and what music he is excited about. He thanks those who have gone before him, who has made an impact, and how they did it. I know who they are because he builds them up. Examples include The Clash, the Sex Pistols, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Elvis Costello and more. He speaks to their strengths. He shares what inspires him about other artists, too. What an exceptional quality.

One could say that Bruce is able to compliment others because he is so secure and grounded in who he is and the success he has had. To me, that's a sad, sullen justification. Not everything in life is a competition. To give credit where credit is due, to offer praise and build someone up costs nothing. It's just so easy to tear others down. People do it all the time. However, I've noticed—it may feel right at the moment, but ultimately it leaves everyone feeling less connected, less loving, less whole...less holy. Life is hard enough. I don't know why we can't build each other up instead of tear each other down. 

This singular, stand out quality in Bruce Springsteen has prompted me to look for it in others. Fortunately, I have found it in a few people. Though my Dad is not an athlete (today) one of the reasons I think my he is a great sports fan is because of the way he builds up certain athletes. For example, Jeff Ulbrich was one of the candidates for the position of defensive coordinator with the 49ers. Ulbrich, who is currently with the Jets played at linebacker for the Niners for nine years. My dad said, "I loved his drive and desire on the field. He was a total overacheiver. The man always played hard. I can see that now as he coaches on the sidelines. Doesn't surprise me." One might read "overachiever" as a put down—it's not. Ulbrich played up. He was more than his height and weight and what his scouting report ever put into print. 

For reasons like this, I enjoy talking to my Dad about sports. He has a good habit for finding the best in a player, especially when they are on our team....and even when they are not. Let me be clear—what I am referring to should not be confused with toxic positivity (more on that another time. Sorry Denver).

In my Lenten journal from The Grotto Network, I was invited to respond to this quote and question today, Day 22 of Lent

He who goes aboutto reform the world must begin with himself. —St. Ignatius of Loyola
Name one change you would like to see in the world. How can you make a starting point within yourself for that change? 

I truly would like to live in a world that builds others up. I hope we can see, recognize and celebrate the gifts and talents of one others and ourselves. Let us not always view ourselves in competition with one another. As written in the song "We are the World" We're all a part of God's great big family And the truth, you know, love is all we need."

Thank you, Alex for building me up all these years and believing in my writing. I managed to get a little sports and a whole lot of spirituality in here.

Photo Credits

We are the World
Boss interview
Jeff U

What I Wish Sha'Carri Richardson, US Sprinter Knew....

Discussions and debate on moral issues goes with the territory of teaching ethics. Over the years, I have heard my fair share of good arguments and bad ones. I listen more than I preach. Occasionally my students will ask me what I think. More often than not, they assume my stance. I wish they knew it's never that simple. I love playing with ideas. I'm okay with gray. Yes, I respect the Church and its official teachings. I understand life is hard and it gets messy. And still, I try to help young people grow not just in age but in wisdom. 

In order to teach moral issues, I collect life lessons from others, I offer a few of my own and I hope for the best. Who knows. Along the way, the most compelling argument I have heard for not using drugs was in an interview with Bruce Springsteen. In all fairness, this ought to strike you as an interesting, albeit unlikely source. Why? The term sex, drugs and Rock n Roll exists for a reason. He came of age in the 60s and 70s. I do not credit The Boss because I'm a big fan, but because I think he is right. His message is one I wish that American sprinter, Sha'Carri Richardson, was familiar with, too. 

Richardson, winner of the 100-meter dash at the U.S. Olympic trials, accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for THC, the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. The media was clear that she smoked pot in Oregon, where it is legal. When asked about this unfortunate situation, President Joe Biden said, "the rules are the rules,” but  he questioned if they should remain that way." Announced by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency on Friday, July 2, Richardson still has a chance to compete with the U.S. relay teams. However, her retroactive disqualification at the trials means she is out of the 100-meter race. 

When asked his opinion on drug use, Springsteen said "I do not think it is a moral issue." For the record, I do not agree with his claim. I consider drug usage as much more than a personal preference. I do think it's a matter or right or wrong because the stakes are just too high. I digress.

Bruce admitted that he was around a lot of people who did a lot of drugs as a young musician. He
said, "I saw what it did to them. At the time, the only thing I had was my music and I knew I needed to do everything I could to protect it. So it wasn't for me." 

I appreciate Springsteen's insight because it shows he was aware of his surroundings, he understood the culture in which he lived, he knew himself and what was important in his life. He realized he had a gift and that they might require sacrifice and care. Music fans are glad he did.

Via Twitter, Sha'Carri Richardson stated "I'm highly gifted and blessed...." As written on The Shadow League, "the U.S. has not won Olympic gold in the women’s 100 since 1996 when Gail Devers claimed her second in a row. But the 5-foot-1 Richardson is without question the country’s next best shot." America would have love to have seen her talent and speed translate to a gold medal. There was a lot to protect. I wish she had done that. 

One moral issue students always want to talk about it drug usage. Many use, many do not. There is a wide spectrum of experience and curiosity. It is very rare that a junior in high school offers his or her experience in saying "yes' or "no" to them. Many who are athletes have signed contracts that require they do not use during the season. We discuss how this affects their decisions, if at all. We talk about recreational drugs, hard drugs, prescription drugs and as any ethicist should: What is a drug? This year, however, I think I will just ask What is the thing in your life worth protecting? And how do you plan to do that? Might be one of the more important questions I ask. And for what it's worth: It's a question for all of us to consider.

Photo Credits
Richardson
Young Bruce

Love Letter to Running

I'm starting to think my love for Bruce Springsteen has rooted a desire to leave a common legacy. My friend Kathy and I emphatically believe the Boss will be forever known for his live performance and prolific song writing. It's hard to believe that Springsteen at 67, is still on tour and performing in shows that exceed four hours! Fans are often amazed at just how many songs he has written and never recorded, but I am not. In the seven years I have kept this blog, I have published over 500 entries. However, sitting in my draft file, are 150 that await their completion. Though it's not rock 'n' roll and my students are a far cry from adoring fans, when I'm teaching I often feel as though I've undertaken some sort of live performance. And though I don't write songs, I write letters...a lot of them. I have sent people articles and CDs that I have long since forgotten about and I am humbled by what I have received in return. Some say letter writing is a lost art, but I respectfully disagree. Precisely because it's an art, it takes new and different forms and iterations. This art is manifested well beyond Christmas cards, fan mail and thank you notes...and for what it's worth, I write all of them.

without a doubt, this was my favorite place to run...Crissy Field, San Francisco, CA

One letter that has been sitting in my draft file for too long is this one. I've waffled back and forth about whether I want to publicly share this letter—not to a person, but to a sport...and that sport is running. I am not the first to write this type of letter—Kobe and Michael Jordan each had theirs to basketball. I certainly won't be the last. However, I like the legacy that it reveals; it's one about the gift and the power of running—an important part of my role as a teacher...and as a writer. Enjoy.

Dear Running,
Six years ago, I realized I would probably have to say goodbye to you. As someone who ran "eight days a week," I never thought I would have to....but not all runners feel that way. I realize now how many runners sense that one day their knees will buckle or their back will break, demanding a farewell to arms—or in this case legs and running.

I have to admit, you had me from hello. Just kidding—I couldn't resist. Maybe it's a good thing that only a certain generation of us know how bad, yet good anything from the movie "Jerry Maguire" is. But running, I loved you from the start. Even though you are demanding and sometimes cruel, you gave me freedom. You continued to challenge and humble me. You could be simultaneously relaxing and strenuous. I looked forward to my time with you and yet, after a given amount of time together, I knew when to walk...when to push stop on my watch...and when to say "I'll see you tomorrow."

after my very favorite road race— the Spring Lake 5—with one of my favorite people

When I was diagnosed with ARVD in 2010, I became aware that our relationship would forever change. I knew that spending time with you was dangerous, but to quit entirely seemed like an impossibility. On December 12, 2015, that once scary thought came to be something I was able and did accept.

I see God's grace at work in other people's lives far more often than I do in my own. I suppose that's not uncommon, but my relationship with you was one of the greatest graces. Grace is, after all, a gift. A free one. Running was no different. The fact that you cost nothing is one of the things I love about you. Chris McDougall the author of Born to Run verified this truth in helping people to understand that not even shoes are necessary!

I could spend as much or as little time as I wanted with you. I loved you for your accessibility: lace up my shoes and head out the door. I have run through great American cities and local trails. All 10 miles of Broad Street in Philadelphia, the National Mall in Washington DC, from one end of the Golden Gate Bridge to the other and back, Forest Park in St. Louis and the Kitty Hawk trail in Dallas, were places I got to know, revere and study because of you. 

Ran it in the blistering heat/humidity, the warm nights, the hard rain and snow. Our nation's capital

It means a great deal that you are a reason why some of my dearest friendships were born. From CYO track to the varsity distance crew in high school, running affords a person with privileged conversations. They are born out of a cadence—one that looks out in the distance instead of at one another, while pursuing a common goal, a common destination.

Coaching cross country for 12 years gave me the chance to share you with young people. My philosophy was a simple one: to develop a life-long relationship with you. As a teacher and a coach, I know how elusive success can be. In those years of coaching, yes, we won league and sectional championships, but getting young women to love you too was and will always be my greatest achievement. Though I find a terrible irony in my own coaching philosophy—I can't run myself—were I to still coach cross country (and I could—it would just be very different) I wouldn't change a thing. That's success.

with a special runner....who went on to run in college. #love

I realize how much I miss you only in glimpses and shadows. Just this morning, I saw two women come to a stop from their run. They exchanged a few words, hugged and parted ways. Their skin and smiles glowed in a way that a runner knows...because it's a feeling. The runner's high.

I've nailed down the times I miss you and how I miss you

1. the early morning run
2. on a rainy day--just after the rain has subsided
3. as a way to get to know American cities
4. by the water
5. the climb
6. the runs I will never take...not where...but with who.

God's grace has enabled me to let go of a lot of things in my life; I'm still working on others. Running, however, isn't one of them. I had an additional five years with you after my diagnosis. I was able to let go gradually and freely. Thank you.

You shaped me in ways that are beyond my comprehension and I remain, even now, forever grateful. When people ask me if I still run, there's but the smallest chord of sadness but honestly, I can look them in the eye and say "it was a great ride." Those words and this entire reality remind me that though we are broken, we can remain whole. That's a sure sign of God's grace....a revelation from a great sport that spawned many minutes and miles. 

A spiritual place—the start line

Oh, and by the way, there's someone else now...a four letter word. Golf. Golf—you cost a lot of time and money. You are supremely high maintenance. You can ruin my day, sometimes my week...and yet, you've brought me to beautiful places and to new, interesting and inspiring people.  You may get your own letter...in due time.

Photo Credits
Crissy FieldDC National Mall

Serendipitous Friendships: In Springsteen and in Sports

I repeat the quote by Matthew Kelly in every class I teach and with each team I coach. He has said, "the friends you keep are more important than the books you read." I have yet to encounter any resistance to his words. Rather, I find an audience nodding in universal agreement. We know we can't choose our family, but we do have a say when it comes to choosing friends. And let's be honest, some of us get lucky—really lucky—when it comes to them. My mom always says "you make your luck," but I think there is something serendipitous about certain people that enter into our lives. 

I've made some of my closest friends through school, work, sports and my faith. Many of these relationships are nourished by common values, similar interests and a shared passion. But I would by lying if I didn't admit that some of my favorite people in the world have become my friends because of one particular preoccupation: American singer, songwriter and performer: Bruce Springsteen. And, watching the CBS Sunday Morning show's interview of the Boss offered me more than another opportunity to reach out to those buddies with whom I love to "speak Springsteen." 

From the conversation between The Boss and Anthony Mason, I was reminded that the miracle of friendship that can be born between two unlikely people, at unsuspecting time or in inconspicuous places. And, it is shaped, formed and sustained through sharing our talents, abilities and ourselves.

In what may be one of the more beautiful treatises on friendship, when asked “How would you describe your relationship with Clarence?” Bruce said:

“It was very primal,” he replied. “It was just, ‘Oh, you’re, you’re some missing part of me. You’re some dream I’m having. He was this huge force, you know? While at the same time being very fragile and very dependent himself, which is maybe what the two of us had in common. We were both kind of insecure down inside. And we both felt kind of fragile and unsure of ourselves. But when we were together we felt really powerful. 

“We were very different people, you know? Clarence lived fast and loose and wild and wide-open, you know? And I tended to be a little more conservative.” 

“You said offstage, you couldn’t be friends.” 

“I couldn’t because it would ruin my life!” Springsteen laughed. 

“But Clarence could be Clarence excellently. He was very good at it.” 

Until Clemons’ health went into a long decline. In 2011 he suffered a stroke and died days later. “Losing Clarence,” Springsteen writes, “was like losing the rain.”

I thought of the rare and wonderful chemistry that existed between Bruce and "C." At 6"5" and somewhere close to 280 pounds Clemons was a force, but that force was magnified by who it met and what it became on stage. It wasn't just part of the show, it was a gift for all who love both men and their music to witness the dream. 

Springsteen is indeed a poet, a performer and a musician...so I shouldn't be surprised by the loveliness of his words. His insight into friendship invited me to think of others who might share this type of gift. My mind considered former teammates like Steve Young and Jerry Rice, Chris Mullin and Manute Bol or Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Magic Johnson. These friendships pair two very different men who collaborate and create something greater than themselves. And then I realized perhaps that's exactly why Elie Wiesel said, "Friends are the jewel of life." 

True friendship asks us to be nothing more than we are...if we are fragile, we should be fragile. If we're insecure, a friend lets us be insecure. He or she may actually get what that means. And if the other is loose and larger than life, let him or her run with it. Know who you are, what you can do and delight in the other half. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

All Springsteen fans are grateful that part of Clarence lives on with the E Street Band in Jake Clemons, the new saxophone player. But, we also know that change that was made uptown when the Big Man joined the band, formed something "really powerful." Losing the rain has left us longing for the day when there's a Reunion tour of another kind....thank you brother man.

Photo Credits
Force
Jerry Rice & Steve Young

Sports, Spirituality and Shoes...

If shoes could talk... Considering the pathways they have tread, the locales they have encountered, the places they have been taken off and where they are needed to be put on, I would like to hear their stories—especially those involving sports and spirituality.

While social scientists will say shoes are a reflection of our personality, I would like to underscore that they are an extension of our humanity. For example, one of the more poignantly painful exhibits at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC is a large room full of shoes. Just shoes. It's hard not to think of the men, women and children who removed them before they walked to their fiery grave. It's one thing to see the numbers of those who were killed and another to see their own shoes left behind. 

I saw Bruce Springsteen play for the 23rd time this past March. A regular to the General Admission section, I decided to wear my running shoes to a concert for the first time. I stood for nearly 4 hours, most of which was spent dancing and raising the "Badlands" fist in unison with the Boss. I wondered if wearing these shoes was a sign of my age or my wisdom. 

One of my favorite songs on "The River Tour," somewhat to my surprise is "Drive All Night." Springsteen weaves a powerfully haunting story of love lost through poetic lyrics and Jake Clemons commands the saxophone to speak what words do not. God it's good. Listen here. 

The line that stands out to me—to most anyone—is when the The Boss sings,

I would drive all night...just to buy you some shoes.

His voice, his body language, the raw emotion make me you believe he would drive all night...but to buy some shoes? It's not intended to be a mystery. In fact, it's as real as it gets. 

I love shoes like many women do, but I don't have what some deem to be "a collection" of them. I don't have any that are super impractical and I don't have any with red soles (or ones with diamonds sorry Paul Simon!) just yet. But, I have some good ones—really good ones—and even more stories that include shoes, sports and spirituality. Here are but a few...

A former co-worker and I would grab a beer after Baccalaureate Mass to share our highs and lows of the year. I miss you Bill! I must share this ritual with another colleague as I already know one of the highlights. It may sound shameless, but one them involves a compliment about my Nike Flyknit running shoes.  

It was spirit week and we had free dress so I was wearing jeans and these new Nike running shoes, which I spent a lot money and effort to buy. Rather than rush out of the classroom at the end of class, three senior boys who had been conspiring for a few minutes surrounded me to let me know what was on their minds. "Ms Stricherz, your shoes are on point today." No stories of personal conversion, no deep connection to the curriculum or challenging questions, just a simple word of praise about my shoes. That's a great day.

In fact, I like these shoes so much that when I read "Perfect Ending" a feature piece in Sports Illustrated about women's NCAA basketball champion Breanna Stewart, I'm not sure that if I met her, I wouldn't talk to her about shoes. (blog post on her coming soon)

She wrote "away from basketball, I like to shop for shoes. I probably own hundreds. There's a pair that I just got, and I love them so much that I don't know if I will ever wear them." Never mind the fact that no other athlete has ever done what she did: win four straight national championships, I want to know why she wouldn't wear those shoes. I feel connected to her in sports and in shoes; that's as human as it gets. 

In the TIME Magazine article "What Your Shoes Say About You," Alexandra Sifferlin writes,

Strangers can tell a lot about you, just by checking out your footwear — at least according to researchers from the University of Kansas and Wellesley College. 

Reading that report reminded me of the first time I met someone a good friend. Along with his older brother, we went to New Orleans' Jazz Fest. He was wearing Stan Smiths LONG before they came back as cool once again. In the same way that Red speaks of Andy Dufrense in the Shawshank Redemption, "it's safe to say I liked Mike [sic] from the start." I got to see Mike in 2010 after diagnosis of my heart condition; I knew my time with running was limited...but I had a new sport, golf. Mike gave me good advice that I still think about today: "leave your sticks but always pack golf shoes." I was headed on a trip where I knew I would play 18 holes, but I wasn't sure what to bring. His words reminded me that there's a turning point for casual participants/amateur athletes. When you make that purchase for sport specific shoes, a page has been turned. And when you travel with them, it's game time.

Our shoes carry hundreds of stories, simply because we do. And my guess is more of them are spiritual than we realize. I can't help but think back to one as written in "Love Begets Love: Thank you Matt Kemp" about former LA Dodger/Giants killer Matt Kemp who met a Joshua Jones, a boy with an inoperable brain tumor at AT&T park. Kemp learned that he was this young man's favorite player and heard of his illness. After the game, Kemp came to give him an autographed baseball, words of encouragement and prayers. But in their meeting, he gave much more: he handed him his batting glove, his baseball cap, his jersey...and then all that he had left to give: his cleats.

Perhaps this is what Springsteen means when he says he would drive all night, just to buy you some shoes. It's speaking to the idea that love asks us to give everything we got. Sports and spirituality isn't much different. 

Photo Credits
Nike Flyknits
Stan Smith

What I Would Say to Bruce Springsteen, Musician, Performer, Athlete and Inspiration

On the first day of class, I model an icebreaker activity with  my seniors entitled "Three things you might not know about me." I share with them this fun fact:

• I have seen Bruce Springsteen live, in concert 22 times and yet I don't want to meet him.

They don't get it. What? Why would you not want to meet the Boss? they ask, incredulously. I do what I can to explain my sentiment. There is no way I could express all that needs to be said. A conversation would never capture my feelings, and my experience, I add. I know I should just say "thank you," but I'd rather avoid the whole thing.

But today, I have something to share. I can no longer reveal that truth. Why? Because show #23, The River Sessions in Oakland California changed what I have felt for so long. How so? I left last night's 3 hour and 25 minutes performance with one total and complete conviction. Were I given the chance to meet Bruce Frederick Springsteen I know exactly what I would say him.

I would tell him: every time I see you perform, I leave wanting to be a better teacher. I would want him to know how I feel this deep down in my soul. And then I would explain how and why.

I watch what he does on the stage and see a performer and an actor, an athlete and a poet. He doesn't mail a single song in. There are no easy buckets. I wonder "does he ever go on auto pilot? Can he ever just "check it" for single minute?" 

In his live performance, I am a witness to the spiritual gift of friendship.
Stevie Van Zandt & Bruce have been friends for 50 years.

Looking at Bruce, one can't help but be inspired by his energy, his vulnerability and his joy. When he stands on stage, I am moved. I leave his show and recognize that I am a witness; I must testify. I want to be better at every single thing that matters most to me in my life. If I were married, I would leave there wanting to be a better wife. This is how his music and his message affect me.

I know why he speaks to me as a teacher. In the classroom, there are days when I am a performer. I expend a lot of energy to get my students into the curriculum. With my second semester seniors, this can be taxing. I need to take them to where we need to go—no teleprompter required...although a few notes (some of which are musical) do help. I tell stories, I touch those in the crowd. I check in with them and get a read from their energy. Being at last night's show reminded me of all of that.

The set list was tight. I love that the band was scaled down to many of the originals—to name a few, just Gary Tallent on bass, Roy Bittan on piano, Max on the drums (I think he is working almost as hard as the Boss and that says a lot). I could feel the communion of saints as Bruce paid tribute to Clarence "the Big Man" Clemons and Danny Federici. A video montage played on the large screen of images of them on the sax and the organ and Springsteen sang "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out." 

This song, one of my top 10 favorites, brought Bruce out to a mini-stage in the middle of the floor. I got to touch his hand several times as he sang. Hoping to make eye contact as a way of saying "thanks," I never did. He was singing it from a different place—one of tribute and honor to those who he...who we, remain connected to in love. 

My friend Kathy noted that I have said "he makes me want to be a better teacher" at several shows in the past. She's right—I have. And yet, I know why it took me until this show to figure out this truth. Last night was a spiritual experience.

With the predetermined set-list of the 21 songs from "The River" in place, I feel as though we fans could relax and enjoy each song as it is....at other shows, the temptation to get caught up in what's next is so great that I sometimes lose sight and appreciation of the present.

After the completion of "The River: side A and B" Bruce and the band turned up the energy with fan favorites: "Badlands" and ascended into Prove it All Night (one of my top 3)" But a few songs later, the crowd was thrilled to hear "Candy's Room." Even though this is not a song I particularly enjoy, I loved witnessing the reaction of those who were standing beside me for two plus hours prior. The energy didn't subside. Bittan started the haunting notes of "Because the Night on the piano and the crowd wailed in ecstasy. I looked around at one point during this song and realized the energy inside of Oracle was so unbelievably high. Bruce was taking the crowd to a place it was wiling to go. It was spiritual, it was sexual, it was communal, it was transcendant. It's exactly what he aims to do. You can say it's art, he'd say it's Rock 'n' Roll. 

Today, I woke up in a total daze: exhausted from standing outside for over two hours "with the rain falling down" for our place in the GA line., sitting on the floor without a seat for over an hour prior to the band's arrival and after three plus hours standing, dancing, jumping, screaming, laughing and crying. I said to my colleagues that  I was running on an emotional high, one that reminds me of falling in love. You walk around in a fog. You just don't see anything the same way for a while. You can't. That's what love does, it breaks you out of yourself and into the arms of another person. Though a concert is different, in many ways, it's not.....because we are never the same when we love someone or something.

So this is my love letter to the man and more importantly the music of Bruce Springsteen. You make me want to be better at every single thing I care about deeply and what I give my life to. THANK YOU for that.

Photo Credits
All from Backsteets.com

Springsteen Incarnate

We lit the first purple candle to recognize that the season of Advent has begun. The word Advent comes from Adventus, Latin for “to wait.” We know what we are waiting for—the Incarnation. God Made Flesh. Emmanuel.

Advent is also a season of hope. We wait in joyful expectation. As the season commences, I have been invited to consider What in my own life do I wait for with joyful anticipation?

For Notre Dame and Alabama fans, it’s a National Championship game that will take place on January 7, 2013. For some, it’s the return of a family member who may serve overseas. My immediate answer is an event I had waited for but occurred on November 30—Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band on the ‘Wrecking Ball Tour’ in Oakland, CA.

Tickets for this event went on sale on September 22. For this show, a gaggle of co-workers and I pursued General Admission tickets. I faced my first hurdle when I realized tickets sales began at 10:00 a.m. precisely when I am in class. However, I cleared this hurdle when my students gave me their full support to take a 5-minute break in order to make the on-line purchase. I said, “I can give you a reading assignment, but I have to be honest. Springsteen tickets go on sale in 30-minutes. Are you be ok with a break?” They appreciated I practice what I preach; it is an ethics class. When I broke through the Ticketmaster cryptic code to get GA tickets for everyone, victory was ours!

When the big day finally arrived, once again I waited in joyful anticipation.  One never knows what the Boss will bring to the stage.  In many ways he didn’t disappoint.  He played for over 3 hours, he deferred from the set list and called several audibles (I live to catch these!) and gave some guitar solos to deserving band members (most notably Nils Lofgren during “Because the Night”).  No doubt he earned his nickname “The hardest working man in show business.”

And yet, not much was different about this show than the 17 others I have attended….except one thing.  I shook his hand.  I stood next to the mid-floor riser and touched him several times.  When it came time for the Boss to crowd surf, he looked at the group I was standing with and me and said, “I need some strong women.”  The next thing I knew we were holding him up with our arms as he was lying down trying to make his way back to the stage.  It’s hard to believe he was able to continue singing “Hungry Heart” with hundreds of fans groping him in a group effort to move him forward.

After a little “Human Touch” I realized I was shaking. It was overwhelming to connect “up close and personal” with a man who is an icon. Bruce Springsteen is a part of my life and to see so clearly that he’s a charismatic 63-year-old man was so simple…and forgive me, but so holy. I felt some sort of power in being connected to the source of the music, the center of the soul, the narrator of so many of my dreams and what I love in this life. 

As I passed him forward, a thought crossed my mind: If I were this excited to touch Bruce Springsteen, how would I possibly feel about touching Jesus? It seemed like a major leap, a huge jump to connect those ideas until I realized—no, it’s not. This is what the Incarnation is all about. If we can’t let the real presence of those we respect, love, and admire move us, if we can’t see the glory in touching those who mean the most of us, how can we possibly get what Christmas is truly about? Emmanuel—God with us.

And the power of the Incarnation doesn’t stop there. As I have seen many times—what never ceases to amaze me is the effect that Springsteen—his presence, his incarnation, has on others. My friend Kathy said, “I kept thinking gratitude all night—and have been reflecting a lot on Bruce’s intentionality, commitment and ability to foster COMMUNITY at his shows.” 

Kathy named for me the principles that take root in my life because of Bruce. In the days after a concert, I can’t help but want to be a better teacher. I am fired up to “teach hard” and give my students everything I got. There is a renewed sense of purpose for me as I stand by the chalkboard. I wish I had a drummer like Max to bring each lesson to a close. Intentionality and Community—check.

The way he shakes hands with every band member as they exit the stage touched my friend’s mom, Jean. Much in the same way that I watch athletes shake hands after a good game, I too love seeing The Boss honor “his team” for their gifts and talents. Fostering Community—check.And the power of the Incarnation doesn’t stop there.  As I have seen many times—what never ceases to amaze me is the affect that Springsteen—his presence—his incarnation has on others.  My friend Kathy said “I kept thinking gratitude all night -- and have been reflecting a lot on Bruce's intentionality, commitment and ability to foster COMMUNITY at his shows.” 

And my favorite part of teaching is what my students teach me. A colleague I love and respect—John, has brought his 14-year-old daughter to the last two concerts. He shared with our crew what her experience was like; I am grateful for what Georgina taught me. Gratitude—check.

He wrote, “She told me she cried when Bruce began the show. I asked why. She said she saw in people's faces how moved they were to be at the concert and how much they loved Bruce and his music.” 

What the young and old, the faith-filled and the fallen see and experience in a Springsteen concert is undoubtedly spiritual. It has kick started my Advent—this season of joyful expectation to await THE Incarnation.  

I believe it when we say “the created is a sign of the creator.” God’s greatness is in the power of incarnation as witnessed this past Friday.

Photo Credits
All photos, except the last one are from Backstreets

Teardrops on the City: Remembering The Big Man, Clarence Clemons--A Musician & Athlete

Not many rock bands have a sax player; and none of them had someone quite like "The Big Man."  He was a whole lot of things—aficionado at the saxophone, vocals, and percussion. His charismatic presence on stage was the only one to rival the Boss man’s. He transcended race, class and ideals. To Springsteen, “He was my great friend, my partner and with Clarence at my side, my band and I were able to tell a story far deeper than those simply contained in our music.” He was a lover and a fighter, a husband to several women, a fisherman and unbeknownst to me until this week—he was an athlete.

Spirituality of rock ‘n’ roll can and should claim Clemons as its own. If it hadn’t been for a car accident that blew out his knee, "sports and spirituality" might tell his tale. Brian Williams reported, “in person and on stage he was as big as a house. Big enough to play college football at Maryland” but on his way to try out for the Cleveland Browns, a serious car accident effectively ended any career plans as a lineman.

Interestingly enough, Clemons attended Maryland State College on music and football scholarships. And these two domains—music and sports should never be at odds with one another, though they often are.

As fans, it’s easy to add fuel to fire, particularly when comparing and contrasting the two on the professional level, as Monica Hamilton of East Syracuse did in her May 22, 2000, Sports Illustrated “Letter to the Editor.” She wrote: A few months ago I attended a Heat game in Miami. The ticket cost $37. Recently, I attended a Bruce Springsteen concert in Hartford. That ticket cost me $37.50. Who performed for 180 minutes without so much as a 30-second timeout (Answer: The Boss). Who drank at least three gallons of Gatorade and sponged himself off eight times while giving his fans their money’s worth? (The Boss.) Who has the best “big man” who plays a mean sax and could probably dunk a basketball (The Boss). I only have one question: Mr. Springsteen, how can I purchase season tickets to you?


Hamilton’s analogy works. Springsteen and the E Street band were masters of the live performance. Patti Scialfa said that during the 1984 “Born in the USA” tour, “the band was 189 for 189.” And I thought baseball players had a demanding schedule. But what’s hard for me to reconcile is that the Big Man was always at the heart of this line-up.

When Danny Federici died in 2008, I began to confront the mortality of my favorite group of musicians. “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)” remains one of my top five favorite songs, but the band does not play it in the same way since the organist, "Phantom Dan" died too early, of melanoma.

Truly, I love every member of the E Street band. (It sickens me that they are not in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame). I can tell you their hometown and all the instruments they play. They each have a special place on the stage and in my heart, but the Big Man has left a bigger hole in both.

As my co-worker and friend John said “I didn’t expect to shed tears…but I did.” John, you’re not the only one…Teardrops are all over the city as we recognize Clarence Clemons, all 6’5” an 275 plus pounds of him. He may have been "the Big Man" on the field and on the stage, but the legacy he left is even bigger.

As Bruce said: I want to thank you, Big Man. I love you so much.

Photo Credits
Fishing
BTR
Phantom Dan
The Biggest Man