The first time she heard the lyrics of “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”, she wasn’t aware that it was a song. A seasoned Buddhist teacher was delivering a talk. He started with the first four lines of the lyric.
He sat quietly still and performed like a rock star. His energy permeates through his pale blue robe: his back so straight and steady, like a torch; his eyes transporting a clear conviction that needs no explanation; his face molded with wrinkles, inviting her to feel what he was feeling.
“Lookin' out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired.”
The four lines imprinted in her body.
Couple months later, she was getting ready to go out. The song came on her Spotify radio. With one foot already in the shower, she paused. Her body recognized the lyrics. She brought water with her to the living room floor and grabbed her phone out of the speaker. There, right there, the lyrics, the melody, the name of the song united. She listened to the whole song, then she put her phone back and showered.
She saw the Buddhist teacher’ eyes once more. She thought he was reciting a poem, a poem about a broken-hearted man finding hope again. Had she knew the song prior to the talk, the words would not have had this much power.
The sprinkles of water left on her living room, uninterrupted.
