Yesterday one of my clients refused to come into the music therapy room, despite many different efforts. We eventually got him to come in with his parents, and after some more struggling, he finally was engaged with the music. It was the first time that I had done music therapy in the presence of a clients' parents - and I found myself running through my head in each and every intervention, as well as every transitional thing I said and did - thinking about the purpose and meaning behind everything. It wasn't a huge portion of my thinking, but sort of a running commentary in the back of my mind. It is something that we should really always be doing, even without the watchful eyes of someone else.

I also, despite having someone with about 30 minutes of defiant behavior clearly not wanting to be with me, found myself remaining calm throughout the entire experience and not getting frazzled or taking things personally. I was able to stay emotionally detached in the sense that I didn't take it personally, while still being present and emotionally there for him, wanting the best for him. I thought this was huge for me! And it made me really think about nannying Jake, having him be oppositional and at times aggressive with me...remaining calm and emotionally detached (usually), but still loving him and helping him. So these experiences, because I certainly wasn't able to do that right away with him, helped prepare me for my experiences now and the ones I will have in the future...as everything in our lives.

It is truly amazing how things fit together, how everything happens for a reason in its own time and place, as well as the people we come in contact with. We don't always see why in the moment, but in retrospect, we can see different paths converging to create a wonderful and purposeful existence!