Author Name: Amy Bernstein

It was World Humanitarian Day at the United Nations. Every seat in the General Assembly was filled, and the excitement was palpable. Beyoncé walked onto the stage wearing a long, white, embroidered gown. She paused in the middle of the stage waiting for the music to begin, with the UN logo visible behind her. The pressure must have been intense, but she stood calm and upright, not letting it show. She began singing her song "I Was Here," which encourages people to use their lives for the greater good. In the background, a video of people from around the world played. For a moment, her palm rested on her heart. The camera immediately panned to members of the audience, clearly moved by her presence and words.

The music grew louder, and Beyoncé's energy surged, filling the entire arena, even the farthest reaches. Her arm automatically rose to accommodate her steady stance and then circled her body in a semicircle. Behind her, a video of the rescue efforts played out, and the excitement grew, sending audience members to their feet. Beyoncé leaned back, raising her arms, chest, and head as if drawing energy from a higher power. She bent her knees, and when she straightened, I could see how perfectly still she was. Her voice was made even more amazing as her body movements emphasized her words. When she finished singing, Beyoncé stood upright, completely present and calm, not seeming fazed by the sheer amount of energy coursing through her. I've watched this video countless times, each time discovering clues about how Beyoncé has made friends with stress that could have actually been stressing her out, and I know I'm truly watching a master at it.