Tag Archives: music

Interview with South Africa’s Son, Brent Harris

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This morning I got and email from Brent Harris, a friend of mine and the guy on the right in this picture.

Brent plays drums for Just Jinjer, a band out of South Africa, and together they produced one of the most beautiful and soulful songs I’ve ever experienced.

Last week I sent Brent a list of questions for the article I am about to write on him, and one of his answers stood out so much I had to write this before I put together the piece about him and his band.

Brent wrote to me “We have known each other for 18 yrs +. We had no idea the band would be as successful as it was, we were just having fun and loving every min of it-and drinking Jagger.  I never wanted to be a rock star and still don’t but absolutely love playing and writing music that moves people!”

That got me.  I love what is expressed in that statement.

I write, and speak a lot about goal setting, visualization, delusional thinking and all things self improvement. I do believe in that sentence Brent expresses one of the most important concepts to living out your dreams; LOVE!

I do believe the key to success is the “enjoy every moment of it” what ever that “it” may be for you.

For Brent Harris (drummer), Ard Mathews (guitar and vocals), and Denholm Harding (bass and vocals) moving people is just a way of life.  It’s what they do.

“Lets try live without judging.  Lets realize that making mistakes is part of it all, lets realize that with this wisdom we can share light on all that is dark and see brighter days-all of us.  Love is harmony and that is everything my man and without love i would be so very lost!”

Brent’s message is carried through in the songs he and Just Jinger perform.

Love and Harmony.

That pretty much sums it up there doesn’t it.  That’s pretty much what I’m getting at with “It’s All About Me!”. We each have to create a sense of love and harmony in ourselves and allow that love and harmony to move through us.

Brent Harris is a rock star whether he likes it or not, but he really knows what holds value in this world.

“I can play in front of 45000 people and get paid what ever amount of money, but without my wife and son’s love, there would be no harmony for me- as much as music is my life.”

I asked Brent who inspired him, and if any of our conversations helped in his journey.

He responded,

“Dude you inspired me with your complete commitment to being a better person and a better role model to your fellow man! You were in a dark place once and realized what was needed to never be in that situation again.”

He continued:

“Our journeys are very different but also very similar. Every day we learn from one another and you were an awesome part of my journey in the United States.  A very positive motivated energy and for that I thank you Tim.”

Well Brent, you were a big part of my journey as well my friend.

Not only the personal contact and conversations but the music you helped produce and the magical way you perform.  So thank you.

Do me a favor brother, relay my love to Ard and Denholm for the beautiful music, and my love to your wife and son for keeping you harmonious.

 

 

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Bar Shift of Awareness

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It is often not that easy always maintain a positive attitude.  Life throws us so many curves.

I work at nights tending bar.  I don’t drink, I don’t watch sports, and loud music is not my thing.  Technically speaking I am a very good bartender.  I am fast, efficient, knowledgeable, and sometimes I am event friendly…well, sometimes.

I have always been quick to react.  When people come to me pushy, I push back. Not really a good move for a bartender.  When someone negatively affects the flow of my work, I let them know….again not always the best thing to do.  But, that’s me.

I’ve been working on quite a few things in my free time.  Writing this blog, developing freedom exercises, and networking with friends on building a new stream of income for myself.   But, I am noticing more and more all the defects of my character that hold me back from attaining all that I desire; a beautiful wife, financial freedom, homes in Ohio and California, and numerous other realities.  Only through my current reality will these goals be met, and during a good portion of my week I am stressed, and frustrated.

I know I am not alone here.  Many of us go into work and do what we do only to be met with a level of frustration that is in essence unhealthy.  Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE my job.  I get to meet so many amazing people.  The guy who owns the building and runs the bar is awesome.

I can go on and on and mention all of the situations that frustrate me, from co-workers standing in the way to customers snapping their fingers at me, but that will only prove to entertain and will solve nothing.  I’m sure you have your own list of frustrations about your work to share.

Today I have been looking at my actions and frustrations from last night.  I realize none of it matters.  The thing I don’t like is who I am when the night gets busy.  It’s not me.  It’s not in line with what I want in this world and not in line with who I am as a man.  So today I am that much more grateful for my position as a bartender.  I have gotten to pay my bills, finance a few key projects, meet some amazing people and uncover the most vital information about myself.

I am blessed to be given so much in such a short period of time.  Sure, I can complain about a lot of things that happen around me at work.  Many people will be more than happy to assist me in that.  But, I am choosing to take my lesson and embody it.

It may take a shift or two in order to create a new pattern of behavior behind the bar.  Lasting change rarely comes in an instant.  But, I will make every effort to be love, kindness, patience, and understanding as the nights unfold from here on out; just as I am sitting in my home, covered in a blanket, typing these words.

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