novEMBER 2010
the newsletter for Nuçi’s Space, a nonprofit musicians’ support/resource center
A Great Place to Practice
I
’m writing this just a few minutes after reading Linda’s “Annual Giving Letter.” If you haven’t already seen it, it’s included in this mailing. Having read all of these letters since 1999, I would have to say that this year is one of my favorites. One line in particular, near the bottom of the first page, stands out to me. It reads, “It is most impressive how the slightest kindness can have such a powerful impact on the receiver.” Over the past decade we have struggled with the task of trying to “package” Nuçi’s Space for various grant applications, corporate giving programs and potential donors. Without the benefit of walking someone through the doors of our building and sharing the “feel” of Nuçi’s Space, this task can sometimes feel impossible. How do you write about kindness? How do you convey sincerity or empathy in 250 words or less? We can share our statistics, demographics and projections but those things only tell a very small part of our story. I’m a 38-year-old, Caucasian male. I’m 6 feet tall and weigh 235 lb. but does that information really tell you anything about me or who I am? Well, besides the fact I should be on a diet? Nuçi’s Space is successful because of its simplicity. Kindness is simple. We try to ingrain in our staff and volunteers the practice of “waiting around for the answer” when we greet someone with “Hello, how are you?” Sometimes the pace of our lives can reach such a fever-pitch that our backs are turned and we’re moving in the opposite direction before someone has time to say “I’m good, thanks. How are you?” By “waiting for the answer,” we are showing a genuine concern and
nuçi’s space by
Bob Sleppy
interest in each other. Just as you, our donors, have invested in Nuçi’s Space, we are motivated to invest in everyone who walks through our door. Do we always succeed in this mission? Unfortunately, no, but our resolve is intact. One of the most difficult things to do is to extend kindness to someone that does not reciprocate. I wouldn’t say that such an occurrence is common at Nuçi’s Space but it does happen every once and a while. Sometimes my gut reaction is to become defensive. I think to myself, “Well, screw you then.” However, I try to remember that Nuçi’s Space is bigger than me, bigger than any one of us. I forget that life exists outside the confines of our little building. If the reaction we receive from someone is less than kind, we try to extend to them the benefit of the doubt that their intention is not ill-willed. Unfortunately most of us carry with us the burden of our lives throughout our day. Often times the fallout from our common frustrations and stresses is misdirected. With embarrassment, I admit that I know this all too well. I would like to think that Nuçi’s Space provides us with a perfect place to practice mindfulness—a perfect place to extend “the slightest kindness” that may jar someone to realize, “hey, maybe not everyone is against me?” Like Linda, I too am impressed with the power of a simple smile, thoughtful gesture or a “hello, how are you?” As I’ve said before in this column, Nuçi’s Space is much more than just a great rehearsal space. For me, it continues to be a great practice space as well.
396 Oconee Street Athens, GA 30601 706.227.1515 space@nuci.org www.nuci.org
Newsletter Contributors
Bob Sleppy Will Kiser Laura Ford Matt Hudgins Matthew Mendez Photos
Courtney McGough Jim Walsh Design & Layout
Larry Tenner