More thoughts on "A Display of Mackerel"

I realized today that when I commented on "A Display of Mackerel" the only example I gave for a real world example was this Black Eyed Peas public performance piece done on Oprah back in the Fall. For some reason it was the only example that came to mind. But today, listening to the church choir, I realized that there are so many examples where we shimmer as a mass rather than as an individual. In a choir for instance, or in an orchestra, or at a baseball game doing the wave or at a concert all singing a favorite song or in a movie theater laughing loudly at the same film. Isn't that the best when a movie is really funny and everyone laughs together?

I used to love being part of an orchestra. I was terrible, of course, and thank GOD I was drowned out by the rest of the instruments, but I really enjoyed being part of that sound. It's funny how our culture stresses individualism so much...really valuing "uniqueness". And yet it feels so good to feel part of something, to get lost in fellowship to put a finer point on it.

I've realized too that the reason why those examples didn't come to mind right away is because I haven't experienced them lately. When's the last time I sang in a choir or played in an orchestra or went to a baseball game (that could be because I don't really enjoy watching baseball)? It's good to have these types of experiences in our lives. They're joyful and make us feel connected. I'm going to seek them out more. I'm going to be more mackerel than inimitable individual.