This time last week, we were dashing around New York City, trying to cram in all the last-minute sightseeing before we got the plane home. Our last stop was Central Park, specifically Strawberry Fields for my music-obsessed teenager.

I’d been a few times before, got the photo, and ticked it off. But he wanted to go so we promised we would.

As I strolled over – well, I say “strolled”… I was carrying a toddler uphill who was desperate for a wee, sipping on the sugariest ‘Big Gulp’ drink (which tasted horrible, but it was so hot I needed fluid). Two minutes later, my middle boy dropped the whole drink all over the floor and up his dad’s legs . You get the picture. For me, it was a quick “tick it off” before heading to the ‘Friends’ fountain.

But as I approached, it felt different this time. A wave of emotion came over me. The buzz of the city, the noise, the rush – it all faded out as we reached Strawberry Fields. Nestled inside Central Park, this quiet corner stands as a tribute to John Lennon. At the heart of it is the iconic mosaic circle with one powerful word at its centre ‘Imagine’.

There were so many people (no doubt from all over the world) gathered around, taking photos or most were sitting silently on the benches, just taking it all in… letting it be.

And then there was a brilliant musician with a guitar playing Beatles songs.

He was singing Let It Be, and it there was a heart warming feeling about it all. I sat down on a bench as my husband did a quick toilet run with the kids, and listened intently to the words. A song I’ve heard so many times but this time it hit differently.

I’ve had times in my life – just like I’m sure we all have when things don’t make sense (and I know some things never will) but I find that most things eventually do if we just let it be.

I’d always planned on writing a blog about music for my website, because I find music so powerful. It’s helped me through so many moments in life. It’s the universal language that unites us. Even if we don’t understand the lyrics, we can all feel music.

I just didn’t expect to be inspired to do it now by a Beatles song. (Sorry guys – I do appreciate your music – I’m just more of a country music girl!) but in that moment, it felt like the song was sending me a message and I knew I wanted to write about it (hence why I took the picture in preparation).

The words in this song are so meaningful – no matter the chaos, the grief, the unknown “there will be an answer” and “when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on us”.

We just need to let it be long enough to see it.

That moment in Strawberry Fields wasn’t just about music. It was a reminder of human connection and hope and how a few simple lyrics, or the beat of a song, can send a ripple through strangers sitting together – or even around the world.

Jess
Founder of Illuminate