Quiet Rebirth in the Groove – Don’t Disturb this Groove (The Meshell Ndegeocello Rendition)

INTRODUCING: Meshell Ndegeocello – Don’t Disturb This Groove

I love it when movies remake older versions of films because it brings in the modern technology with more current acting styles and special effects. We get to go to high-definition theatres and eat not only popcorn nowadays, but we can have full meals and maybe even an alcoholic beverage. There are some who always stick to the classics, however. Sometimes you can’t remake classics and give it that same magic as the original. Well, when it comes to music, sometimes it has the same effect. Despite my love for remade movies, I don’t typically carry that same fervor for remade songs or remixes. But then one day, “Don’t Disturb This Groove”, Meshell Ndegeocello’s version appeared. And then the game changed. Easily, one of my absolute favorite remakes.

Moments. This life is built on them. When I heard this song, I felt a shift inside of myself. For those who haven’t heard the original song, it has transcended the years. It’s a song that you can throw on anywhere and I can almost guarantee someone will stand up and exclaim, “This is my song!” It was a testament in its own right. But, for me, the style and the tempo and melody, even the subtle word flips and changes shined brightly. My friend Meshell somehow managed to return me slowly back to the alignment with everything I have been longing to become. It brings me back to a place where you actually may feel an ethereal emotion. The way it snuck up on me was a welcomed visitor that didn’t make a lot of noise. In fact, if you are not aware of yourself in the moment, it could sneak past you, but it wouldn’t be easy. It’s too inviting.

This song is a reimagining of the original in many different ways, but so meaningful to the context of what Kind Rebirths entails. She stripped down her interpretation, making it ever so personal. Just like life, when we see so much going on around us all day and every day, we need to strip away the disturbances that knock us down. And she refused to let this song be just a cover; she made it a focus. Paying homage to the late-80s band, The System, she transforms this into something so inward and internal that it becomes that invitation and motivation to find whatever it is you most desire - love, peace, and/or happiness…but in the simplest ways. This is one of those songs that ground you and can make you change your direction in an instant. She surpasses Kind Rebirths with this song. It demonstrates her presence of rhythm in a fantastic way.

This song becomes more amazing each time you listen to it. It rides with you through the periods where life feels separated. Her delivery reinforces an essential truth, before you can move forward or toward grandeur, we need to stop, breathe, and recognize the small things that move us or that make us happy. For me, it summons us to protect ourselves and the peace of purpose inside of each of us.

That purpose inside each of us is rooted in this kind of awareness. We have to learn to regain that simple peace that we probably had before the bright lights started flashing. The lead singer of the original made the song very much a club and radio phenomenon, but not this one. Meshell wasn’t aiming for the strobe lights of the club. She was looking to touch your soul. Listen to her voice and you can compare it to see exactly how she intends to lead you to a more peaceful place. It’s not rushed, but intentional. It’s oh so slow and mystic in nature. It’s like she is casting a spell (a good spell). The entirety of the arrangement brings you past a performance. It’s doing what she does best – making you feel again. That’s a Kind Rebirth.

This rebirth doesn’t need explosions, but it needs attention. It requires stillness. It’s the kind of stillness that makes you want to protect yourself by being incredibly careful who you let in. She lets you know that this groove is peace. It’s sacred. It cannot and should not be interrupted with something insignificant or unimportant or something that is undervalued. Whomever is chosen to be let in has to be someone who understands the assignment. They must understand the mission. Protecting it isn’t selfish; it’s mission-critical because it’s the tool we used to navigate spaces in our own lives.

This song screams, “Slow down!” This is the mindfulness that a Kind Rebirth asks of you. I bet when you feel that rebirth surge and grow, your whole outlook and perspective will change. Choosing peace and simplicity over fame and fortune, even for a second, will sustain your spirit long enough to know when it’s time to choose and advise you wisely on which choice is appropriate for your moments.

As many times as I’ve heard this song, I have learned to study it enough to create in my mind a model for living. She doesn’t rush it. So, I slow down. She doesn’t feel the need to try and fill every space with an unneeded instrument. So, I eliminate the unnecessary disturbances and distractions in my life. The song feels like a slow-moving pause. So, I pause in my movements enough to stay present. When we focus our inner mind and attention to a rhythm, sometimes we get exactly what we need. It’s becoming like a philosophy to live by.

Remember this if nothing else – rebirth doesn’t require a dramatic reinvention. Just be aware of the beauty and simplicity of what’s already perfectly situated around you. When shit gets to be too much, develop the courage to tell life, “Don’t disturb this groove.” A groove isn’t something to rush through. Stay and remain. Rebuild, rebirth and become.

“Flowers, Flowers, Flowers blooming everywhere”

Stay mindful

Rebirth