Takin' Time to Make Time...

How simple, yet powerful and complex is that phrase, in the 1968 classic, penned by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins?  Dusty had it first, yes, but Aretha made it work, both telling a gratifyingly humble story.  We all know the saying, "People make time for what matters most to them..."  Be that as it may, people also tend to ignore how this saying really lends itself to those who understand balance and the unrestricted essence of time.

This past week, I (finally) made it back to my Capoeira class at Raizes Do Brasil, in Brooklyn.  It had been a few months of sporadic visits this year, given various changes in circumstance and scheduling; but I made it back.  I first started in September/2014, when I saw a deal on LivingSocial.  Since I enjoyed the first class - then the trial period - so much, I made the decision to follow through and join the class full-on.  For the next three months following, I availed myself on Tuesday and Thursday nights and some Saturday mornings, to train and hone my moves.  When my day-to-day changed, I had to adjust and adapt, causing me to sit out of a few (or more) classes.  Still, I made time to at least practice at home, on and around some of those nights I missed class.

Each time I have returned to class, no matter how long the break since the preceding attendance, my Mestre, Instructora and fellow Capoeiristas welcomed me back with open arms, and without reprimand.  The same occurs when - after any length of a lapse in time - most of my friends, family, or colleagues and I get to catch up over lunch, and event, or even a phone call, at some point or another.  There is no expectation of an explanation as to where I have been or why it has been so long, but rather, the joy in fellowship and the mutual appreciation of being able to make time for one another, amid life's many happenings and distractions.  Thus, the importance fulfilled.

Sometimes, we place expectations on others, according to our own selfish needs; and, whether we realize it or not, we tend to dilute the excitement that is to thrive in the moments of reunion, by choosing to chastise, instead of rejoice.  True, one's priorities, at a given time, may not be another's, but it does not mean that there shan't be time to be made, mutually and exclusively, for all of the desired catching up.  Just...give it time.  And, in the meantime, enjoy what life has in front of you right now.  Until soon...

"I cannot be everybody's everything, everyday.
For I am only one man; but when the time does come, know that, in those moments, I am here for you."
- D.E. Smith

The Maculelê in the roda, at Raizes Do Brasil.