Inspired by the One Love Manchester concert, I feel it is worth saying; be at peace, these kids are remarkable and will change the world with love. I couldn’t help but feel hope and had to acknowledge, that what once appeared to be the self-serving, entitled, narcissistic traits of Generation Y, it is clear that they are forever being changed by their world. The love that flowed freely from the mouths of babes and the music that filled the air, will be the energy that carries them into their future, a future much brighter than many of us thought possible, given all we have seen over the last few years.
Resilience is an extraordinary attribute exclusive to the human spirit and is most found in those who have been to hell and back, more than once. So to see this young, untried demographic react so positively, so courageously and so lovingly, was a sight for the world’s hungry eyes to behold.
We often forget that these children of today, have been raised solely during a time of war, terrorist attacks, vitriolic, hate-filled politics, racism, social media bullying and a barrage of vulgar and reprehensible television shows and movies, which have left many desensitized. When you overload little minds with enormous world burdens and pain, a hard heart or an unfeeling one is often the result.
Yet, the One Love Manchester concert showed that the best comes from the worst of circumstances and shines through the darkness with hope and fortitude. I was mesmerized in the midst of my leaking eyes at the beauty of these souls, the eloquence, the powerful music, the humbled and grateful performers and the overwhelmingly, compassionate crowd. It was as if all the stars aligned in one large venue to produce the energy of HOPE.
Other than the sheer volume of emotions which poured from every cell of my being, I was astounded to learn that within an hour after the live concert, the news reported that over nine million dollars was raised for the victims of the Manchester attack and that number is expected to rise.
It was so befitting that Ariana Grande ended the concert, not with the song “One Last Time,” which was the last song the victims of the Manchester attack heard, but instead with a song of hope and dreams, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Amazing that such a tiny little singer could produce such a gargantuan vision of hope.
In a world in desperate need of goodness, we got a monumental infusion and hopefully the love, humility, kindness, compassion and activism will continue to thrive, long after the stadium lights are turned off. #Manchester #OneLoveManchester #ArianaGrande #Concert #IStandWithManchester
Ariaa Jaeger is a Spiritual Life Strategist and Foremost Spirituality Expert who was recently featured in The 200 Most Influential Authors list and is a passionate animal, human, senior, LGBT and environmental rights advocate.
Visit her website Ariaa.com to learn more.