The Music Marathon
Have you ever felt like you were behind in something? Like say music? Throughout my 20s and 30s I prioritized music almost as if I was punishing myself for what I hadn’t learned in college and high school. I followed inspiration but I also waster a lot of energy worrying about the things that I didn’t know and or do naturally over the things that did come naturally to me. Some of the things that came naturally to me were inspiring musicians, having a talent for bringing good players together, thinking conceptually, and writing music from an intuitive place that people connected to. However, I also felt as if every opportunity was urgent and about to escape if I didn’t respond to it immediately. I believed there was a race in the music industry and someone would surely out run me if I didn’t keep my wheels spinning.
The thing is there are sprints and there are marathons. Sprinters aren’t better than marathoners and marathoners aren’t better than sprinters. Some of us are just built better for one type of race or event over the other. For example, long distance runners pace themselves. They bring high energy, nourishing snacks along for their event. They focus on where they are, not just where they’re going, so they have the stamina to finish. They do lots of practice runs, even on the actual course, so that there are less surprises on race day. If they’re good to themselves, they often prioritize sleep and rest days. And they also cross train so as not to overwork the same set of muscles. All these things are habits that I have cultivated and continue cultivating in my day to day life as an artist.
In order to embody or fully channel music in the way that I desire and in order to offer it to people so that they too can hopefully experience a positive shift within themselves, I have had to pace myself. I have had to extend timelines for creative projects. I have had to make sure to hydrate and nourish myself with high quality food so I have fuel and focus to last. I have built up a daily vocal and movement practice that leaves me ready for when opportunities arise or for when I create new opportunities. And in truth, I’m still learning how to dial in the ideal sleep routine for myself. But I do have a pretty great morning routine.
Right now, these routines are preparing me for a new project I’m developing called Mythology. I’ll be sharing this work in progress at The Porch Sessions on Sunday, September 27th at 7pm. Save the date. I look forward to seeing you there!
And as always if you have any thoughts or reflections on your own creative journey , drop me a line. I love hearing from you.