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For me, meditation has created a path to a more meaningful, happy and relaxed life. A slower, steadier, silent and a more simpler kind of life.

This is because meditating is an extremely effective way to achieve a deeper understanding of myself. It teaches me better ways of dealing with my problems and issues on a daily basis.

Through meditation I become a more calm, happy and balanced person who is on his way to achieve whatever it is I want to achieve in my life.

I’m sure that everyone at least once in their life, has experienced a moment in which they’ve found themselves in a situation of deep relaxation, satisfaction and consciousness.

A situation where all your daily worries had disappeared and your mind was clear and focussed with a feeling of being at one with the present, with the moment.

THAT is the essence of meditation

By regularly practising meditation, I am learning how to return to that same condition time and time again, whenever I need to and by being able to do this, I don’t have to depend on external stimuli to experience such moments of happiness.

I can find it inside myself.

Meditation also allows me to learn to relax quickly and effectively, to improve focus and concentration. It is also an exceptionally effective technique to balance the personal and professional life to a deeper level.

Meditation techniques are successfully used by millions of people every day to:

  • Relax the mind and body
  • Relieve stress and tension
  • Improve physical, mental and spiritual health
  • Increase focus and concentration
  • Harness self-awareness and personal growth
  • Improve your focus and creativity

I have found that when I’ve started to regularly practise meditation and in turn, study the philosophy behind it, I suffer less from unnecessary, unpleasant and frustrating negative trains of thought.

I start to live more in the NOW.

As a result of this I become more in tune with my feelings and will have more confidence that I will make the right choices and do what it is that we really want to do.

I become more authentic and true to myself.

Through a consistent meditation practise I’ve become mentally healthier because I’m not expending my energies on useless and trivial things.

I become more successful at our work because I feel better in and about my work. I go about my day to day with greater focus and in turn creativity flows much more easily.

I become a more pleasant and a more peaceful person because I feel better inside and out plus, I have some control over my emotions and streams of thought more effectively.

As I get to know more myself more through our meditation practise, I begin to realise that it’s me who is solely responsible for my own happiness and therefore am no longer the victims of the circumstances in which I find myself in.

Finally, I’d like to think that all of these changes would be noticed by the people around me and this will greatly enhance your relationships and your social life. This is of course not the aim of a regular meditation practise but it’s nice to have your efforts recognised from time to time.

If I was impart any final words on meditation, it would be that regular meditation practise means different things to different people but, you won’t know what meditation will mean for you if you don’t start so consider meditation as an essential part of your day-to day living.

Like me, you’ll be glad that you did.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

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A business savvy DJ based in Colchester has introduced a price list for overplayed song requests, with The Killers’ Mr. Brightside set to cost you a whopping £1,000.

All too often cover bands in Adelaide all perform songs from some sort of unseen and unwritten “Adelaide Cover Band Songbook” which makes the live music experience all sound the same after a while.

I wonder what the Adelaide cover band version of this would be? Read the article and let me know what you think…

Source: This DJ has a price list for song requests, and Mr Brightside will cost you £1,000

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The above piece of advice, often shared among songwriters, displays a truth about the creative process. Striving for perfection can be paralysing, especially in the world of music where creativity and expression are paramount.

Here’s why embracing imperfection and spontaneity can lead to more authentic and impactful songwriting.

The Paradox of Perfection

Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives individuals to strive for excellence. On the other, it can create a mental block, stifling creativity and preventing progress.

When a songwriter fixates on crafting the “perfect” song, they might become overly critical of their work, leading to self-doubt and procrastination. This pursuit of an unattainable standard can transform the joy of creation into a source of stress and frustration.

The Power of Authenticity

Authenticity is at the heart of memorable music. Songs that resonate deeply with listeners often stem from genuine emotion and experience.

When songwriters allow themselves to write freely, without the constraints of perfection, they open the door to authenticity. The raw, unfiltered expression of their thoughts and feelings can lead to songs that are more relatable and emotionally impactful.

Embracing the Creative Process

Songwriting is an iterative process. The initial draft of a song is rarely the final product. By allowing oneself to write without the pressure of perfection, songwriters can generate a wealth of ideas that can be refined over time.

This approach encourages experimentation and exploration, which are crucial for artistic growth. Mistakes and imperfections are not failures; they are stepping stones to discovering unique sounds and lyrical ideas.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common obstacle in the creative process. When the goal is perfection, the fear of not measuring up can be paralyzing. By shifting the focus from perfection to simply writing and seeing what happens, songwriters can mitigate this fear.

This mindset fosters a more relaxed and open creative environment, where the emphasis is on progress rather than perfection. It’s about enjoying the journey rather than fixating on the destination.

The Joy of Discovery

One of the most rewarding aspects of songwriting is the element of discovery. When songwriters allow themselves to write freely, they often stumble upon unexpected melodies, harmonies, and lyrical themes.

These serendipitous moments can lead to some of the most innovative and original work. The joy of discovering something new and exciting can reignite a songwriter’s passion and drive.

Practical Tips for Embracing Imperfection

  1. Set a Timer: Give yourself a limited amount of time to write without editing. This can help you overcome the urge to perfect every line as you go.
  2. Free Writing: Start with a free writing exercise where you jot down whatever comes to mind. This can help kickstart the creative process and generate new ideas.
  3. Accept Imperfection: Remind yourself that the first draft is not the final product. Embrace the imperfections as part of the creative journey. Always remember… “Great songs are always rewritten.”
  4. Collaborate: Working with other musicians can provide fresh perspectives and help you see the value in ideas you might have dismissed.
  5. Take Breaks: Sometimes stepping away from a song can provide clarity and allow you to return with a fresh perspective.

Remember, striving for perfection can hinder the creative process and stifle authenticity so, by allowing yourself to write freely and seeing what happens, you can overcome the fear of failure, embrace the joy of discovery, and create music that truly resonates with both you and your listeners.

So, the next time you feel the need to write a song, let go of that need for perfection, and see where your creativity takes you.