Messages, cards in the mail and delivered by hand, memories, lunch, ordered-in favorite foods, body-mind services from BikramYogaWorks, visits, a nap, and a Zoom celebration filled my 77th birthday with love and joy. Along with my Zoom celebration, all my experiences reminded me of life’s themes—reflection, courage, creativity, and community. I express my gratitude and introduce Symphony ’77: The Wonder Within Me, a project that explores life’s dualities, such as fear and courage, connection, and isolation. These dualities shape my journey and inspire growth. I invite everyone to join my Reflection Sessions starting January 3, 2025. We will explore the Seven Wonders Within Me, turning life’s challenges into harmony and fostering balance.
Reflecting on my 77th birthday, I’m grateful for the incredible outpouring of love and well wishes from many corners of my life. Your messages—whether shared on Facebook, Messenger, email, iMessage, voicemail or even through dropped-off cards and personal well wishes and visits—created a symphony of joy that resonated throughout my day. It is impossible to acknowledge each individually, but please know that I’ve read, listened to, and cherished every word, note, and thought.
From heartfelt reflections to funny memories, your kind gestures filled my birthday with a profound connection. Some of you took time to drop off cards, while others visited to share warm words in person.
These thoughtful acts reminded me of the richness of the relationships I’ve received many blessings over the years. Thank you for making my 77th birthday unforgettable and reminding me how interconnected we are in this journey.
For those who joined the Zoom celebration, your presence brought even more depth to this milestone. Despite the audio difficulties, together, we transformed the event into a rich tapestry of memories, insights, and dreams. Thank you for sharing your stories, reflecting on our journeys, and exploring how we might continue walking this path together.
The evening was a symphony of connection, courage, and creativity—three central pillars of my ongoing project, Symphony ’77: The Wonder Within Me: The Reflection Sessions.
Your reflections on how we met and the impact of our relationship reminded me of the recurring themes we all navigate in our lives. These themes—scatteredness and focus, fear and courage, connection and isolation—are the heart of my Reflection Sessions, which will begin on Wednesday, January 3, 2025.
Memories and Reflections: A Celebration of Shared Journeys
Hearing your personal stories was a profound reminder of the connections that shape our lives. Your memories painted a beautiful picture of how our paths have intertwined.
One participant shared, “When we met, I didn’t know how much you would influence my thinking and encourage me to see the world differently.” Another said, “You have a way of creating spaces where people feel safe to explore their ideas and grow.”
These heartfelt reflections echoed the dualities we all experience. As one guest noted, “You always seem to see beyond the surface, helping others uncover what’s truly important in their lives.” Another shared, “Your ability to connect people from different parts of life amazes me. It reminds us of how intertwined our journeys really are.”
This sense of interconnectedness lies at the core of Symphony ’77, where we’ll explore how our individual and collective rhythms can create harmony.
Three Words That Have Guided Me: Surreal, Gratitude, and Compassion
Since the onset of COVID-19, three words have profoundly shaped my perspective: Surreal, Gratitude, and Compassion. These words reflect the paradoxes and lessons I’ve encountered over the past few years.
- Surreal: The early days of the pandemic felt like stepping into a parallel world. I recall sitting in my home office, looking out the window at the stillness and peacefulness of my neighborhood. Then I would turn around, look at the TV screen, and see chaos unfolding—news of sickness, fear, and uncertainty. A lot was happening that I knew was real, but it wasn’t affecting me directly. It was a surreal juxtaposition of peace and turmoil.
- Gratitude: Amid the surrealness, I felt immense gratitude. I was fortunate to have the resources and mindset to weather the storm while others struggled. My gratitude wasn’t just about material comfort but about recognizing the privilege of safety, stability, and the ability to adapt. It reminded me to acknowledge and appreciate the advantages I often take for granted.
- Compassion: My gratitude naturally evolved into compassion. I could work safely from home, but only because others were stepping out into the world—healthcare workers, teachers, grocery store employees, delivery drivers, and countless others. Their sacrifices made my safety possible. This realization deepened my commitment to seeing and honoring the interconnectedness of our lives and acting where I could support others.
During the celebration, I shared how these three words continue to guide me.
One participant reflected, “Your insights into surrealness reminded me to find peace even when life feels chaotic.”
Another said, “Your reflections on gratitude and compassion were a powerful reminder to acknowledge my privileges and consider how I can give back.”
These words resonate deeply within me, serving as touchstones for navigating personal and collective challenges.
What is Wonder, and Why is it Essential?
By wonder, I mean the awe and mystery that surround aspects of our lives.
Wonder opens us to possibilities, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and deeper understanding. It invites us to pause, reflect, and see beyond the ordinary, uncovering pathways to growth and connection.
In Symphony ’77, wonder forms the foundation of the Reflection Sessions. It allows us to examine dualities like courage, fear, chaos, and creativity with an open mind.
Wonder fosters renewal and resilience, which are essential for personal transformation and collective harmony.
As I explore these wonders with you, I hope they unlock a more profound sense of purpose and possibility for all of us.
What Are the Reflection Sessions?
Beginning the first Wednesday of January 2025, the Reflection Sessions are an invitation to join me in a journey of personal discovery and collective growth.
Rooted in the themes of Symphony ’77, these sessions will explore Seven Wonders Within Us: scatteredness and focus, fear and courage, connection and isolation, creativity and chaos, non-renewal and renewal, and more.
Each session will blend guided reflections, personal stories, and shared dialogue. Together, we’ll uncover the recurring themes in our lives, examine the dualities we navigate, and seek ways to bring harmony and balance into our personal and collective experiences.
These sessions aren’t just about introspection—they’re about transformation. They’re a space to explore how we can align with life’s rhythms and cycles to create meaning and purpose.
A Call to Action: Join Me in Symphony ’77
My Zoom celebration reflected not only my 77 years but also a symphony of shared courage, creativity, and connection.
It marked the beginning of the next chapter in my journey. I invite you to join me for the Symphony ’77 Reflection Sessions. They start on Wednesday, January 3, 2025, to deepen our understanding of life’s wonders and create new harmonies.
Spaces are limited, so I encourage you to reserve your place early so you can embark on this transformative journey with us.
Let’s continue weaving individual notes into a collective symphony, embracing the noise and signal of life to create something extraordinary.
With gratitude and hope,
What Is Meditativism?
Meditativism is the philosophy of using meditation as a tool for deeper understanding, reflection, and growth. It goes beyond relaxation, encouraging individuals to explore their experiences, emotions, and thoughts in a way that fosters clarity and connection.
As The Meditativist, I (Jerome S. Paige) integrate the principles of Meditativism into every session I lead. Meditativism is a way of life that sees meditation as more than a practice—it’s a way to investigate and engage with life, empowering us to grow emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
Meditativism teaches us that everything, from a distraction to a song lyric, can be an object of meditation. By paying attention to the present moment and observing without judgment, we can uncover deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us.
This philosophy drives my work, from the Spirit of 76 project to Symphony 77, and it inspires others to find empowerment and freedom through self-reflection and mindful living.