30 November

Video: Ego Vs. Openness. Me And The Ukulele

by Jon Katz

When I think about vulnerability, I think about sharing a video of my singing “Silent Night” on the ukulele I am slowly learning to play.

My goal is to play “Silent Night” for the residents of the Mansion on Christmas Morning.

My performance will be for the residents without families to see or visit.

Playing for others makes me nervous, as is evident in the video, but that’s all the more reason to share it.

Showing vulnerability is a big step toward mental health and authenticity, especially for men. It’s good for the ego to get smacked around a bit.

Bob Warren, my patient and encouraging teacher told me last night that I am doing very well and on target to be able to play “Silent Night” by Christmas Day.

My other goals are to serenade Maria and also the donkeys.

I am already much better than the video shows – I was too anxious – but I am now sure I will get there, and I look forward to looking back at this video and laughing about it.

Everybody else gets to have a chuckle now.

30 Comments

  1. You are making great progress. I think the residents of The Mansion are going to be moved and thrilled. Merry Christmas.

  2. Good effort. I think you should forget the singing for the performance—it’s weak and not likely to improve enough—and just concentrate on the instrument itself. You’ll get there!

    1. Thanks, Serena; I’m sure you are correct, but I’ll be signing on Christmas morning, as I intended and promised. I’m not applying for Julliard and the Mansion residents care mostly that I show up. If they don’t like it, I’ll hear about it.

  3. Hooray!! Much better! Your rhythm, especially, was much improved & consistent. Changes in chords better synchronized, just what sounded like minor mistakes in the chord fingerings, but still better this video and I know you’ll have them down by Christmas! Great job, Super Progress!!

    1. Many mistakes with the chords, but I admit I was pretty nervous..Thanks for the good and useful words..I’m and the encouragement..I’m getting there.

  4. Wonderful! I think the residents will be touched and happy. You and Marie and who could forget Zinnia are such a blessing. Great job.

  5. I think that you are doing great Jon! I heard your other video and this sounded great. Hang in there, the residents will enjoy it. It all takes time it is good to learn new things, good for our brains.

  6. This is really a charming scene. That beautiful house, the wintry day and festive little lights, the companionship between the two of you, the good intention for learning the instrument and anticipation of the reactions among those dear Mansion folks. Much warmer and more sweet than the same song with some orchestra. Really a nice interlude in the day.

  7. Impressive progress, Jon! It’s flowing much more easily every time and you seem a bit more relaxed, which I’m sure helps a lot! Good for you! Very inspiring!
    Susan M

  8. It is beautiful and I was tearing up. This is what this season is all about! Listening to you made me slow down
    and think about what’s important. You sound really nice and it’s so hard to do. I feel it’s not just for the residents….
    Much Love !

  9. Good job Jon. Improving and because you are doing it with love, it will be perfect for the Mansion. Beautiful!

  10. We are classically music trained, the two of us. I love your perseverance in leaning to play an instrument. PLEASE sing along with your chording with the residents because the words are so meaningfully potent. I loved listening to the you just as it was. It had FEELING!

  11. This video made my heart sing! You’ve grown so much since the last video! The residents are going to love this, I’ll bet some will even sing along with you! What a beautiful Christmas gift!

  12. You are improving very quickly. I loved it. And seeing you smile was awesome. You and Maria are two very special people with all you do for others and the love you share,

  13. I used to be a public school music teacher. You are doing well! Keep it up. And sing to your heart’s content. Everyone should be able to feel like singing with no criticism from anyone. You sing in tune and on time. I used to tell my kiddos that we are here to help others do their best and to never make anyone feel bad. Too many happy singers have been squelched because someone told them they are better off not singing. That is a horrible thing to say to anyone. Just…SING!! It is a natural as breathing and a lot more fun.

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