Shining Eyes

Last week a friend forwarded a video link to me. I don't usually click on them, especially if they are 20 minutes long. There simply aren't enough hours in the day. This time, trusting the friend's good sense, I clicked.
What a treat it was to hear Benjamin Zander on music and passion. It's well worth spending the time to view this clip which speaks of so much more than music.

Conductor and pianist Benjamin Zander spoke of his passion for classical music . One day he was struck by the realization that his role as the conductor of an orchestra is to awaken possibilities in other people, to wordlessly transmit his passion to others. How does he know if he has accomplished what he set out to do? He said, "If their eyes are shining, you know you are doing it."

How do we approach life and our various roles? Are we passionate about awakening possibilities in others, in whatever role we play in their lives?  Do we desire to transmit our passion to others in such a way that they too learn and grow and enjoy?

I had the joy of seeing this firsthand yesterday. My passion for color and texture and fabric was translated into beautiful wood rods and pleated drape panels which we installed in my clients' home. As the clients viewed the finished result, our collaborative vision caused shining eyes - a project which surpassed the clients' expectations.

How many shining eyes do you have around you?