The individuality and universality of Michael Jackson

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“I’m devastated, I kept waiting to hear it was a hoax. I feel like a piece of me is dead.”

A fan

If your reaction to Michael Jackson’s death was anything like mine, it would have been one of great shock, disbelief, denial, profound and inexplicable sadness, an utter sense of loss and a muted though persistent plea ‘Let this not be true’.

It feels as if his death has sent a shock wave through the planet causing it to reverberate with a cascade of emotions. What is more, I do not believe that it is entirely the result of media coverage either.  Rather, it seems to me to have something more to do with the presence he commanded in this world – the musical, singing and dancing genius that he was and, despite all the controversy that surrounded him, the gentle, almost child-like demeanor that he possessed.

I cannot say that I was a Michael Jackson fan but that did not stop me from enjoying his music and marveling at his genius, introducing him to my children as did so many other parents of my generation to theirs.

I loved his dancing, it was so slick, so fine, so precise, so elegant in its efficiency and so him.  I heard one comment that so much of our dance today took off from his dance moves and choreography and I am inclined to agree.  Of course, his derived from the likes of Fred Astaire but they were personalized with his creative genius into his unique form.

I loved his songs and his singing.  They were always full of the emotions they spoke of.  I think he gave everything of himself in his singing and dancing.  In that sense, it felt as if they were his consummate occupation.  Whatever else he did and however (much) he gave to them, I have no doubt that in his music, he gave all.

I am surprised at my response to his death.  I have wondered over these hours since hearing the news why I am so filled with this sense of loss, as I believe so many, many others around the world are.  Why?  Is it because of the suddenness of his death?  Is it because of the loss of his genius to a world he has undoubtedly shaped?

Is it because, like so many others, I was so relieved, albeit a trifle concerned by the enormity of his planned come-back, only to have it thwarted by his death?  Is it because, I, like so many others, didn’t really believe he could die?  Is it because, I am as much victim to the fantasy of Peter Pan and his deathlessness as Michael Jackson may have been?

This morning, I brought my feelings into awareness in my morning meditation practice.  I made them the subject of my observation, sitting with them, not judging them, not getting embroiled in them, not avoiding them or hurrying them away.  Just sitting with them.

What emerged was this:  A re-cognizing that everything is as it is, happening in its own time and place, in its perfect order.  A re-cognizing also that each one, in his or her own way, makes choices, whether consciously or unconsciously, about themselves.  Michael Jackson was no exception.

This re-cognizing resulted in a gentle easing away of my sadness and loss.  What is now in its place is a quiet acceptance of the perfect and profound nature of life, of which death is a part.  I feel more ready now to partake in whatever grieving is about to take place, globally and in my immediate surrounds.  After all, my children danced to his music but a few years ago, my son performing the signature moon walk and the hat flick to admirable similarity.

It is still beyond my understanding, why I, neither a fan nor someone who listened to his music in the way I have listened to Santana or U2 or Dire Straits, can be so moved by his death.  In my desire to find some explanation, I speculate that it must be as much to do with the individuality of Michael as it is to do with his universality – a magical convergence of the expression of the All in the one – a convergence that occurred at a time in history when not just some, but many right across this planet were fortunate enough to experience it.

May you continue your wondrous journey in eternity in the non-physical Michael as we continue ours in the physical…for now!  May all of us remaining be consoled by the wonder of life, much of which you expressed for us through your music and through your life.  May those who were more closely connected with you, your family, chidren and friends, be soothed by the magical genius that you could not help but share with all the world.

Blessings

Lucy Lopez

Awakening in Happiness!