How playing music builds power and self-esteem
There are very few activities human beings pursue that build personal power and self-esteem just by doing them. While it is not guaranteed to happen, it is set up to put you at a distinct advantage, especially if you set the intention to improve.
The complexity of mind, body and spirit can obscure what is happening, but a few experiments and memories of “speaking up” make it more a matter of common sense than it might appear on the surface.
A person can have the thought of exercising more, they can have an intense feeling that exercising more would be good for them, but it takes an act of will to get off the couch and begin.
Building personal power and self-esteem can be illusive because they are matters of will, or will power, not intellect or feeling.
I recently purchased a buffalo drum and incorporated a simple discipline into my daily meditation time. I struck a beat, about 60-69 bpm over and over. What is “rhythm” really?
Turns out, rhythm at its core is an act of will that sets energy in motion.
When it is done at regular intervals, we call those musical beats. When it is steady, and it has a consistent flow of chi, or energy, soul intention or emotional import can travel through it, or be carried by it.
Power is often recognized by a sudden demonstration. A martial artist breaks bricks with a forearm strike, a defensive tackle sheds a block and sacks a quarterback, a sprinter sets a world record for the 100 meter dash.
The reality is, years and decades of repetition and preparation preceded the demonstration, in almost every single case.
In music, every time a person feels a beat they open the door to exercising power. However, it is the player on the field that demonstrates it, not the fan in the stands. When a person begins to practice singing, or begins to practice an instrument, they start to bring forth power.
If they practice regularly with the help of a good teacher, they progress much more quickly. Their discipline opens the door to positive experiences, recognition and appreciation. It often fuels more effort. Even so, those who find inner motivation often stay with it longer and overcome more.
Esteem heaped on by crowds does not necessarily help an artist with self-esteem. But an artist who truly dedicates themselves to the art, and begins to see that music is both a gift and a privilege, and a responsibility, these will nearly always turn out to be lifelong musicians. Many rise to world recognition and fame.
Listen to music by Master David Paul, visit www.MusicInspiredByNature.com Attend live weekly Tai Chi Gung classes with him, visit www.CircleOfChi.com
