The Rhythm of Life

An electrical engineer, John Hopps, was trained at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. In 1941 he joined the National Research Council where he conducted studies on hypothermia. John used radio frequency heating to restore body temperature. During a research experiment he made an unexpected and profound discovery. He learned that if a heart stopped beating due to cooling, it could be started again by artificial stimulation using mechanical or electric means. He continued his research that would later lead to the invention of the world’s first cardiac pacemaker in 1950. Our hearts, the muscle that sustains life, depends on rhythm for survival. If the rhythm stops, we cease to exist.

Rhythm is defined as a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound, the measured flow of words and phrases in verse or prose as determined by the relation of long and short or stressed and unstressed syllables. Rhythm is created from sounds and silences. It is a current. A pulse.

Have you ever been driving downtown, or walking around the mall, or anywhere that people congregate and noticed their movements? How they swing their arms when they walk. Whether they have a long graceful stride or a short quick pace; those traveling in an obvious hurry and others at a slow relaxed tempo. When you drive past with your music playing, do you recall how funny it is when people step in synch to the song playing from your dash? They either bounce or glide to the upbeat or downbeat of the song. It is almost like you are playing the soundtrack to the world around you. It is a sight to see. And for those that have paid enough attention to this game, the true DJ’s are able to select songs that even fit the personalities of the crowds.

No matter what task is at hand, a rhythm is required for its completion. Whether it is a slow and steady measure or rapidness that is required, you work your best and become the most productive when your rhythm is established. So how vital is it that we pay attention to the rhythms of our lives and those that surround us and fill the earth in harmonious song? What type of rhythm fills you?

As I take an introspective look at myself and assess what music most accurately describes me, I repeatedly reach one singular conclusion. The resounding improvisation and syncopation leads me to believe that the building blocks of rhythm inside me are that of jazz. Jazz means any instrument and any tempo, with soft, placid and smooth styles at times or the pounding blaze giving way to the excitement of unpredictable scatting. Life at its finest, being played with unlimited possibilities. To me that is a tremendous metaphor for life. You never know what will occur next and no matter how desperately you try to 'figure it all out', there is still so much to enjoy and be surprised by. While classical also has many dramatic movements to choose from, powerful and sensitive, there is no room for an on the spot composition based on feeling and emotion. And perhaps many disagree and prefer techno, or oldies, country, hip-hop, or R&B. My wife would say her rhythm is that of classic rock. And my mother-in-law would undoubtedly be a rhythmic disco queen. My household, growing up, was filled with inspirational anthems of faith and spirituality while never failing to echo greats like the Eagles or Chicago. I feel that the creativity and business laced with slow powerful moments of Jazz, resembles most truly the rhythm of life.

Rhythm is felt in the wind, in traffic, in the solemn quietness of peace and in the business of the crowd. Tones and the lack of them are constantly producing choruses that will never again be duplicated. So the rhythm of life is variable, ever changing and distinctly unique interpreted differently by all. The rhythm of life is a constant blessing.

The below videos do a neat job of expressing opinions of life’s surrounding rhythm.




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