Everybody's still smiling after a three hour Master Class intensive on Monday, May 1st at the home of Tricia Thompson in Snohomish, WA! From R to L, Emily Pickrell, Ravi Mantena, Laura Lagerstadt, Beth, Linda Page, Hannah Thompson and Tricia Thompson. Missing from the photo are Lee Summerfield, Dan Miller and Laurie. Also note the beautiful photo taken at Beaver Lake in Sammamish!
It was great to see everyone again after my eight month absence from the Northwest. One of the challenges that came up for many of the group was inspiration, and keeping motivated. Ravi commented that when I was in Bellevue and we were doing our weekly Songhop class, he was motivated to write something each week. When you're not involved in an ongoing class or writer's circle, it's difficult to make time for your art, and yet, that's your passion.
It's so easy to let the everyday stuff of living get in the way of your creativity. Sometimes, when you're done with your day, it's the last thing you feel like doing. I think most of us would agree, though, if we just start working on a song, whether you're a singer or songwriter, the time flies and the music works as wonderful therapy. We de-stress, forget the concerns of the day, immerse ourselves in right brain activity, and feel great. It's a fantastic way to end the day.
I suggested setting aside an hour or two once a week to do music, even when you don't feel like it. Put it on the calendar, and commit to that time. It's rewarding time for yourself, and you'll feel better when you make that an ongoing 'date' with yourself. Also, during your work day, take 15 minutes to work on lyrics, music, or a song you'd like to share. It will free your mind, and you'll return to work more open, more productive, and able to 'think outside the box'. Take a moment to be inspired by the beauty of nature around you, by the sounds of life happening right where you are.
It's easy to let our passions assume a place of lowest priority in our lives; but when this happens we suffer. We feel out of balance, unfulfilled and resentful. Take time, make time, to indulge in those activities that you love, that bring you joy and peace; that make you feel good about yourself. Instead of thinking about music as a 'hobby' that you do when you have time once in awhile, think of music as the driving force in your life! Only you can give it that place of importance in your schedule. It's not a hobby, it's your life blood; it's what makes you a creative, vibrant, artistic human being! Don't diminish the importance of your artistic outlets. Your creative spirit, your playful spirit is always there, tapping on your shoulder, reminding you to come out and play.
We all have responsibilities, but don't let those responsibilities rob you of the joy of expression through music and art that makes you who you are. We communicate through art, it is part of our collective psyche as human beings. Take time to express yourself! You will feel so much better, so free, so open when you integrate your creative spirit back into your life!
