Just Dabbling — The Path to Our Live Show
Day 5 of 20: Long afternoon of music, music, music. A close companion reminded me of the benefits of my time here and that is the key word. Tonight was no exception and I’m buzzing after throwing down live techno with Hédonism as we continue to expand our live offering.
I want to talk about dabbling. The Art of not really doing something but doing it. For some it can seem like a non-commitment to any one task. For me, it is the recognition that any one activity shares a plethora of skills and mindsets with another. I am the anti-specialist. Not talented in any one thing, but I can honestly tell you that I find great joy in the breadth of what I explore.
Despite challenges in life, as we all have, I sincerely find it so incredibly satisfying doing things just for the laugh that can come in success or “failure.”
As a result this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve pursued something with fervor because it just felt so in alignment for me. I don’t have enough fingers and toes for that count. My time as a disciple of the mountains was quite similar. My body and mind were the primary beneficiaries of the output but as with yoga, I unlocked my emotions which gave me a freedom from an internal turmoil.
Don’t get my wrong, I loved savaging myself in the mountains. Losing all sense of Self as the only objective was to stay safe, keep your friends safe and keep moving. Constant self flagellation with days at some periods averaging 12 hours, pushing through objectives that are often pegged as 2 day missions, sometimes more. In that state of animal like drive, it is bliss. All careful forward movement, there is no time for thinking.
I’ve found performing music to be the same. Time is non-existent, the version of “Me” that I might be in that moment is non existent. To be honest, nothing really exists except for the music. I lose my mind and I can’t control my body — the beat is the one in control.
Music in all it’s forms is truly one pursuit that has always been innately fun for me. In fact, one of the earliest videos my family has is of me hardly able to stand, holding a speaker. The track is Michael Jackson “Black or White” and as adolescent me found music and escaped from the turmoil of my life, I still found that song to be an instant mobilizer for my body. I honestly don’t think I can listen to music and not move my body.
Even at this very moment, I’m listening to a track and typing. My fingers and body swaying from side to side.
It’s all fun though. Reckless abandon for the sake of a lesson. That’s the key for me… I decided on a whim to leave Australia, to move to Whistler, to move back, to move here there. Even the ultimate life changing decision to move to Squamish was a 12 hour decision. Recently the realization that composition and arrangement was my music happy place gave me the chance to start working with Haydn. Working towards a live show that had no form when we started. We’re now working on a multitude of projects within and outside of music. All for the fun.
Sometimes it gets me in trouble, but I’m forever grateful for it. I wouldn’t have the number of interesting stories without a desire to continuously shirk what is expected for what seems to be the most satisfying, what will make me look back and say “Wow, what a ride.”
I have a plan to write about playfulness and the importance for creativity, problem solving well being and relationship. We’ll save that for another day… In the meantime we’re really looking forward to sharing tonights live jam with you, as well as two nights of recorded Yoga/Meditation practice.
There is a lot more I could say here but the purpose for now is just to write.
With love, take care of each other — Nullzero.
