In My Mind’s Zen Garden

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

As I grow older, yet continue to perform as a musician, I tend to think about the above lyrics from that Beatles song. There is a certain message of hope that maybe a shining moment is still there somewhere up ahead, when my success as a musician will come full circle.

Of course, I am blessed that I am able to perform music at each gig. That I am able to perform my instrument mentally, physically and spiritually, with a passion that still motivates me to continue to perform.

Sometimes, I feel sad that I am not a young musician, for it seems that youth and being a young successful musician or artist is what society epitomizes, but at the same time I’m a seasoned musician who has a history and collective knowledge of what I can do.

But at the same time, the music I play I feel keeps me young at heart. I feel people should find ways to keep feeling young at heart. And to try hard to not let the world make you a bitter, jaded soul. I notice some musicians have that whole jaded musician persona, and I try hard not to let that get the better of me.

Being young at heart is a state of mind. And I hope to be performing when I’m 90.

Like the song, there were times in my life when I felt “broken”. For 4 years I gave up playing music, and never touched a keyboard or a drum during that period of time. I had listened to people who told me that playing music was just a pipe dream. Don’t depend on it for a living.

But, to me, music keeps me alive. It brings a lot of passion and life to my world. Nowadays, I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t express myself through music, through playing an instrument. It’s become like breathing or eating… a necessary part of my life.

…an extension of my inner self.

Everyone should tap into their creative side. Find something that is artistic and go for it, whether it’s music, or painting, or photography. Become passionate about your artistic side. And just find a way to have fun with it and not worry if you are good or not. The main thing is to focus on it and have fun, and let the inspiration and passion guide you.

…

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
~Lennon/McCartney