by Ed Keegan

Created on: October 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2010

What makes your life alive?

Understanding layers . . .

It's getting to be that time of year here in Western New York, when you have to intentionally confront the indecisive transitional weather. For me, that means beginning my day staring into my closet in search of the right T-shirt to pair with a long sleeve shirt. Once properly matched and selected, heeding the stylistic demands of my day, I am ready to embrace the cool morning, and equally prepared to enjoy the warmer afternoon by merely shedding the outer layer. A sensitivity to "Apparelitic" layers (I made that up) helps me to function comfortably and effectively amidst the transitional weather patterns.

Layers are important musically & rhythmically . . .

Rock, pop, jazz, soul, funk, country, hip-hop, etc. all depend on layers to breathe life into the music. Being a drummer/percussionist, however, I openly confess my addiction to rhythm - I am a rhythm junkie. So you will understand when I declare the hypnotic power of rhythmic layers, and invite you to experience them for yourself by sampling some primo African or Afro-Cuban music.[i] As you listen, notice how the various rhythm patterns are layered on top of each other. They give the overall rhythm undeniable depth that wakes up the soul and makes it come alive. Rhythmic layers engage our innate rhythm, setting us free and compelling us to move.

Layers are fundamentally how we experience life . . .

Think about it. We have times when we just need to lighten up and have some fun - to watch a goofy show or movie, go for a family bike ride, flip through a magazine, waste time with friends, play around on Facebook or Youtube, etc. Then there are those times when we need to get down to business and get to the task at hand - on the job, at school, at home, etc. These layers are essential to our overall health and well-being. But all too often we get caught in a loop, busily bouncing between the outer layers of business and pleasure, that we neglect the deepest layer - engaging our hearts.

Rarely do we arrive at this inner layer of the heart - the core - accidentally. We have to intentionally move in that direction. Without it, the outer layers of our lives begin to feel like a hollow, sometimes stifling, shell. With it, we are able to breathe more deeply, be more present in our relationships, experience greater fulfillment in our work, discover greater pleasure and joy in living - we begin to come alive.

Going deeper . . .

Jesus understood layers. He told

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