“In music, one doesn’t make the end of the composition the point of the composition. If that were so, the best conductors would be those who played fastest; and there would be composers who only wrote finales… …We thought of life by analogy, it was a journey, with a pilgrimage, which had a serious purpose at the end. And the thing was to get to that end – success, or whatever it is, or maybe heaven after you’re dead. But we missed the point the whole way along….” Alan Watts
The Mysteries of Artistic Motivation
Are you constantly inspired? I know I'm not. That doesn't mean the well of creativity is all dried up though...
Ends Begin
Cape Reinga is a beautiful, spiritual place where the pacific ocean and tasman sea meet and merge. It is where the Maori traditionally believe our souls depart the land. What better place to share with you along with my new song. […]
What’s the Point?
“In music, one doesn’t make the end of the composition the point of the composition. If that were so, the best conductors would be those who played fastest; and there would be composers who only wrote finales… …We thought of life by analogy, it was a journey, with a pilgrimage, which had [...]
Bouncing back after “bad boy” addiction
As I sat in my car last weekend about to take off to see my amazing partner (let's call him AP), who currently lives an-hour-and-a-half away, he texted to say he had too much going on to be able to spend quality time with me. He thought it was not [...]
Performance Anxiety May Well Be the Death of Me
I often attempt to offer life lessons through this blog. Today I'm going to try something different and ask for help. When I was younger, I didn't exactly know that I suffered from crippling nerves before going on stage. I mean perhaps on a subconscious level, but you never would [...]
Boundaries for Empaths
Back in the day, I had a boyfriend who would oscillate between desperately trying to please me and being intensely and acutely abusive. After seeking counselling, in a final attempt to cling to the slippery gasping fish that was our relationship, the therapist said that my ex had no boundaries. [...]
What is the Appropriate Reaction to a Pandemic?
Our range of reactions and coping mechanisms understandably run the gamut right now. And for good reason. Aside from our unique histories, we have massively different sets of circumstances. But no one has gone untouched by COVID 19. And odds are, no one ever will again. As always, what is [...]
Finding Zen in a Capitalist World
One of the most confusing and difficult things about being a spiritually conscious artist is basically just, well.... society. I'm about to admit to a few of my deepest secrets. Okay here goes... Last night I sat down and looked at my long-term financial prospects for the first time ever. [...]
The Ultimate Cost of Tradition
Well, here we are in 2020. For those of us who've been around a while, the year 2000 seems like only yesterday, and 2020 was but a futuristic dream of flying cars and digital wizardry. In fact, in many ways it doesn't seem like much has changed at all. A [...]
Coping with the Stress of Climate Change
If you are feeling overwhelmed and helpless due to all this end-of-the-world talk, you are not alone. The global media images of millions of people out on the streets protesting has certainly brought that fact to light! I've had moments in this past year in which I've struggled to even [...]
Vulnerability: The Key to Empathy, Healing, Connection, Creativity, and Freedom
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.” ― Brené Brown I am hooked on Brené Brown and everything she has to say. In addition to the gorgeous Texan accent, which reminds me of one of my favourite places and many [...]
Accepting Your Shadow
There is a common misapprehension about those of us on a vocally spiritual path. That is the perception that we will consistently be positive, self-aware and empathetic. Not only does this misplaced belief come from those around us, but also from our own egoic minds. People who identify as spiritual are more than likely to also identify as being consistently good, kind or pious.
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As many of you know, being an artist is no way to make a living, nor has it ever really been. The greatest musicians and composers throughout history have always required the support (patronage) of those who appreciated their work. And thank goodness for them! Without patrons we’d have no Mona Lisa, no Mozart…! And without the world’s wonderful creative people and those who support them, this sure would be dull and dreary life.