One thing millennials and Generation X have in common is that we enjoy a good time out at live events. It's a time for us to be free-spirited and groove with our best friends to our favorite songs. But what our parents' generation likes to do more is give their "when I was your age" spiel every time you leave the front door. Although, I've heard enough to last a lifetime, the lessons finally stuck to me after my 27th concert. It's not the place where most people meditate on their actions, but it's where I am the most attentive and at ease with myself.
Here are some life lessons I've learned from many concert experiences.
1. Live in the moment
Put the phone down. Stop worrying about recording the whole performance. Someone else probably recorded and put it on YouTube already. You spent hundreds of dollars to see your favorite artist perform, so be a part of the whole experience --dance and sing your heart out. We often take the time with our family and friends for granted. We spend more time on our phones than holding a conversation with others. Life is short, be present.
2. Be grateful for opportunities
Concerts are extraordinary. Not many people have the opportunity to see their favorite artist in person and 200 feet away like you do. You could even fly to a different city to see One Direction perform if they don't make a tour stop in your hometown. In life, we have the opportunity to travel to Europe for the summer or intern for a Hollywood music producer. We often forget to say "thank you" to the people who gave us that chance. Be grateful for the endless possibilities.
3. Patience is a virtue
The long lines are inevitable. It takes 30 minutes to find parking, 10 minutes for security checks and a million years for merchandise. But you're probably as irritated as the next person. Concert moms make the whole "testing my patience" even worse with their snarky comments. In real life, we have to deal with rush hour, annoying colleagues and crying children. We need be reminded that all of this will be worth it in the end. You will be at your destination eventually, it may just take some profanities and breathing to get there.
4. Don't be afraid to be yourself
The stadium will be predominately dark (besides the stage lighting); no one will really see your terrible dancing. It's a girl's night so make it a great one! The strangers next to you may get annoyed but that's because they are sitting the whole concert instead of fully enjoying it like you are. Anywhere you go, there will be people making comments (good or bad) about you. It's part of life. Don't let that make your experiences any less fun.
5. Defend what you believe in
We are fans because we relate to the messages. If the song plays in public, there's no shame singing the song wholeheartedly. For most people, music is how they express themselves. They are passionate about the song because they believe the words. In real life, we are often told to be quiet on social issues, but it's not what we are meant to do. If you support an issue, do so wholeheartedly.
6. You can make a difference in the world
Do you ever think about the journey of the artist? This may be your first concert or your 30th. They were once normal like us but persevered through their struggles and look where they are now! You are one of 50 million fans, yet you are making a difference in that person's career by buying and promoting their album. Keep pursuing your dreams. You never know where it will lead you.
7. Appreciate the small moments
This is my favorite thing to do at a concert. Do a mental panoramic of the stadium. Take in the exciting environment. Look at the little girl with her dad who is standing on the seat singing her heart out. Sweet moments like those are reasons why music is so powerful. We often overlook the small moments but they are actually the best ones.
8. Connections with others are essential
You have a connection with this artist, enough to go out of your way to see them perform in person. In this age, Internet connections are stronger than physical connections. Forming friendships can help with networking for businesses as well as being the support for the lonely kid suffering from depression. We can make connections every day. It can be a simple smile to a stranger on the bus or a firm hug for a friend who had a bad day.
9. Find a happy place and go there often
There is a place that we go to whenever we need a breather from life. It's OK that your happy place is at a large stadium with 50,000 people. Gautama Buddha's happy place was at Bodh Goya where he attained supreme enlightenment. Concerts are my happy place. There is nothing more peaceful than screaming fans, mean security guards and your favorite song being sung live.
