JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 123
It is time for everyone to gather
in a big circle, hold hands, take a
deep breath, then another one if
necessary. Someone should then
start humming “Kumbaya” until
everyone in the circle starts singing
the words, hoping to bring peace to
the world.
OK, the chances of that happening
are zero and nil, but the idea could
take other forms. For instance, we
might start by respecting others and
listening. A “Kumbaya” moment
can be as simple as letting someone
express an opinion different from
your own without a full-frontal attack. A
“Kumbaya” moment could be as simple
as exercising a little civility, or looking for
a platform for some mutual agreement.
Our country has been through a lot in
2020, and as we close the curtain on that
year, it is a good time to plan to make the
upcoming year different. COVID-19 is still
going to hang around for at least a little
while longer, so it is time to accept what is.
You can look at it negatively and assume
this is what prison is like, or you can be
thankful for each new day. It is time to
realize there are many who will not have
a new day.
We are blessed as a country, and it is a
good time to take that “Kumbaya” moment
and embrace it. We have the sun and the
rain, just as we have night and day. There
is no guarantee for tomorrow, so the best
advice is to live for today because that is
where you have a choice. You can get upset
with everything, or you can rejoice in the
fact that you have a choice as to how you
feel about what is occurring.
Meditation can be a great “Kumbaya”
moment. Find a few minutes in your busy
schedule when you can get comfortable,
close your eyes and take some deep
breaths for ten minutes or so to refresh
your day and your outlook. Taking a
break solves many problems. There are
companies that provide a meditation room
just for that purpose.
The stresses of the day can lead to a
sleepless night. Irving Berlin was one of
the greatest songwriters of all time. Maybe
you were not aware that he suffered from
insomnia. His doctor gave him some sound
advice, “Count your blessings instead of
sheep.” Not only did that work for Berlin
at bedtime, it ended up being one of his
most memorable songs. If you do
not remember the song, watch the
movie White Christmas this season
with Rosemary Clooney, Bing
Crosby, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen.
Clooney and Crosby recorded the
song, as did Eddie Fisher, who had
its biggest hit. Fact is, thinking back
on your blessings can give you a
“Kumbaya” moment.
You can complain and be upset,
yet it will accomplish absolutely
nothing. If you try looking on the
bright side of things, you will find
others catching it and the world
will get better around you. You are a
trendsetter, and while wearing a mask
and social distancing are important, your
attitude is important, too. It can influence
others, even through a mask.
You have a choice every morning when
you awaken. You can dread the day or
celebrate it. But either way, it will set your
direction and also the way you handle
things. So, when you look in the mirror
each morning, try humming a bright
simple “Kumbaya.” 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dick Crippen, a staple
in Tampa Bay broadcasting for more than 40
years, is a senior adviser for the Tampa Bay
Rays, and works extensively with the military.
He is active in the world of charity fundraising
and sits on numerous boards for nonprofit
organizations.
COMMENTARY
KUMBAYA
By Dick Crippen
Dick Crippen