Tim PriceBloggin' For Rico- FLOW !

Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao Tzu

Taoism advocates a doctrine of inaction that says that one must “go with the flow” of nature. This idea, however, is not completely foreign to a Westerner like me because of the writings of other Westerners, like the Transcendentalists, who were also influenced by Eastern philosophy, but I would say that it is a philosophy that is not the mainstream in Western culture. In fact in our fast-paced society, it is often only found in the outskirts of society in what most mainstream Americans would call the hippie types. Taoism’s Lao Tzu (Laozi), whose life has been surrounded by myth over the centuries. He is believed to have been born around 600 BCE during the Chou dynasty. Nothing is known about his childhood or youth, in fact, legend has it that he was immaculately conceived and born already an old man with white hair and a beard.... however, that at some point he was a book keeper of the imperial archives, before he became disillusioned with the government, which he saw as greedy and hypocritical. So, Lao Tzu decides to leave his job and society to seek fulfillment in the solitude of nature. At some point after this realization (Chinese art often portrays him as an old man riding a horse West while writing his philosophy), he writes the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing), which fundamentally outlines his philosophy in a series of poetic statements. The title is translated as something like, “The Classic of the Power of the Way of Nature.” Yin and Yang are not irreconcilable opposites like good and evil, rather they are metaphors for a changing reciprocal flow. Lao Tzu, for example, saw that especially in political culture there was an overabundance of Yang and sought to go the opposite way of society to seek a balance. Therefore, at its center, Taoism is a type of social non-conformity. It finds the imbalances of culture and seeks to go the opposite way in order to find balance. Some quotes from the Tao Te Ching: “Existence is beyond the power of words to define.”

This mind set, and thought can be used to a musicians advantage. Relaxing in the moment- and using the groove is something both classical, rock and jazz adopt in the highest forms. EG- The ALPHA STATE. One of the biggest problems is getting into the right frame of mind, where you eliminate all the conflicting thoughts and are able to concentrate on the objective outcome. Alpha state makes it easier.

Alpha: A mild daydream or light relaxation state. Operating in Alpha can be exemplified to when you are driving a car or when you get captivated into a good book and sort of lose track what is happening around you. It is useful to absorb information when in Alpha and is considered to be highly desirable for more effective creativity. Alpha promotes more of the left side of the brain to be used for processing. Many times Stan Getz refereed to the ALPHA STATE in his work. Stan was a genius and a creative master-who to me was a Zen-reality but in a street wise state. After all who experienced more than Stan?

OK- Have you ever considered at what time are you the most creative or when is your mind highly productive? For some people it is when they just wake up in the morning or when they are about to go to sleep. Others find that they are most creative in the shower or when relaxing in the bath. I have also found that people are creative when they are driving along the highway or going for a relaxing walk. Interestingly, not many people actually state that they are most creative when at work, which could be the reason why our abilities to solve problems. The key to achieving a highly creative and productive mind is to move into a relaxed state of being, that is, when your mind enters the alpha state. Relaxation, music and mind set all equal a high creative state of mind.

I'm about not just playing jazz, or rock, blues,funk but making the music something lager than any word could describe. After all-the music is bigger than all of us! To get to a good train of thought requires practice and being aware of the world. You already have the answers...keep on your dreams and work hard. TILL NEXT WEEK- Enjoy your November- Tim

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