The Vegan Cookie Muse

--by greggie, posted Jul 19, 2011

I've been practicing at least one intentional act of kindness a day recently. Today, I had a vegan, wrapped cookie in my pocket, courtesy of some friends last night who requested it be paid forward, just itching to find its recipient. :).

It's an interesting thing, to observe what thoughts the mind tends towards on a walk in the streets, and equally interesting to observe how it focuses when carrying an intention like, "Whose day can I make, and how??"

I was walking through the subway, and passed by a musician strumming his guitar. It was no extraordinary sight, but suddenly I remembered a story of how a world-class violinist played in a subway station once, and only handful of folks stopped to listen to a performance that would normally fill the fanciest concert halls. World-class musician or not, this guy was into it, and so I decided to form an audience of one. :) I found a seat on the floor, and gave him my undivided attention.

What I enjoyed most was seeing this guy enjoy his music! He gave a modest, talented, and heart-felt performance.

After a couple songs, I offered some applause, and got up, readying to go. We chatted a bit first. He told me how the songs were his own, how they were "under construction," that he just does this on the side, and how, despite his guitar case lying open, he wasn't doing this for the money. I could tell. Money wouldn't have done justice to the moment anyway. So I pulled out the cookie, :) and offered it, with the story. "Oh, I'm vegan, that's perfect!" And after hearing how I received it with the request that it be paid forward, he repeated the phrase, as if trying it on for size: "Pay it forward...I can do that too!..in my own way."

I walked off with a big smile, as the young musician balanced the cookie on top of his guitar, like a muse of some sort, and began to riff on ideas for a new song about paying it forward.

I really did experience it to be a great gift -- the gift of a gift.

3369 Reads

Posted by greggie
Jul 19, 2011
Comments (21)

Readers Comments

Glowworm wrote: What a very well-told story... and it's especially wonderful because it's a true one!

That had to have been encouraging for the artist that you stopped and listened. I know I always feel good when people read what I've written, and I'm sure it's the same for musicians :)

Cool about the cookie! God works wonders :) And it helps to walk with your eyes open like you did, if you get what I mean.

God bless. -G.

Bluebell wrote: Thank you for your lovely post I could see all the smiles reaching you and all those around you. Love and Light and a Thousand Smiles, Bluebell

unknown wrote: Greggie: You infected him positively and so the pay it forward will live through him ... What I loved was the fact that you gave your time and attention on this musician which is very beautiful and inspiring for me ... I will do the same next time ... I often drop coins and smile big ... I feel every art must be respected, now I have a new idea because of you. Thank you, Deeper (-: :-) ...

cabbage wrote: Fabulous! Thank you for sharing :-)
I love street musicians, and I know they appreciate being listened to and appreciated.....and you are right it's not just for the money. Thank you!! :-)

Sydney wrote: What a lovely story - made me smile.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: I love that you have committed yourself to doing a kind act every day. It matters and makes a differnce so nice going! :)

InnerAlchemist wrote: You were kind, and you inspired some new musical art to be birthed into the world. Nice!

Joy wrote: How perfect the vegan cookie and the guy was a vegan. Love how you passed on the concept of paying it forward. Thanks for sharing and spreading kindness.

annjav wrote: Your undivided attention was worth way more than the cookie. But sharing the cookie was the "frosting on the cake". Thanks for sharing!

Danny wrote: Wow what a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing.

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