All articles, tagged with “relax”

If you’re like us, we like to vacation to warmer climates in the winter to get a dose of bright sunshine and to relax on the beach.

The Nature Portrait below was created after a visit to Sanibel and Fort Myers, Florida. You can watch this video anytime you’re feeling like you want the relaxed tropical vibe . . .

Brand new ambient music, On the Beach, serves as the soundtrack to the video, available here for download.

Our latest multimedia innovation is designed to help people perform music with confidence. Most people who play or sing music wish to express themselves fully to others through this universal form of communication.

However, many people worry about being judged, compare themselves to others, and get anxious about making mistakes while delivering their musical message. Their focus turns away from the joy of expression to the fear of performing and being vulnerable.

A simple guided process, this brand new video was created to give both amateur and professional performers:

1. self-acceptance
2. self-confidence
3. freedom of expression
4. the idea that music is a universal language of connection
5. tools for mental preparation

For full instructions on how to use the video, go to the video’s page on YouTube and look at the description below the video.

As performers, Candice and I have used all of these techniques and experienced fantastic results. We also teach these concepts to our students. But, this is the first time we’ve organized the system in such a comprehensive, yet concise package.

If you know anyone who would like to be more peaceful and expressive while performing, feel free to share this video with them.

This video is the first installment in our brand new series entitled, GC Meditation Series. Upcoming videos will address topics like sleeplessness, goal attainment, public speaking, appreciation, exercise and health, abundance and forming an effective practice habit.

We teach our piano students how to be mindful when they practice.

What does this mean?

This means that while you practice, you may do two things to stay present and focused:

1. observe your thoughts without judgment
2. focus on one element of practice to get into a relaxed state of mind

When people practice, their minds tend to wander and the goal becomes, “I just want to get through” the music or the practice session as quickly as possible. These wandering thoughts can create impatience and frustration as the mistakes begin to mount.

The first thing to do is to recognize that you want to be somewhere else other than in the present moment. Simply acknowledge that thought as it arises. Then, just observe any thoughts that come to you like, “I’m never going to learn this,” “I wish I could play like [some master of the instrument here],” “I can’t do this,” etc.

Just allow the thoughts to come up rather than trying to resist them. As you practice observing your thoughts without judgment, you can really transform an average practice session into something more creative and fulfilling.

Next, try the following “Practice Lifelines”:
1. practice less material (work on one measure instead of two measures)
2. separate the hands (if you play keyboard, for example)
3. play slower (use the metronome to help keep the tempo slower)

Those three steps allow you to drop into a calmer state in which your mind can actually focus on one particular element at a time.

For example, if you’re playing a two measure spot with just the right hand, try doing any of the following exercises as you play. Do these steps until you feel ease.
1. play and name the notes out loud
2. play and say the fingering numbers
3. play and say the letters of notes that are unclear out loud
4. play and count out loud

Practicing a musical instrument has the power to help you become aware of your thoughts as they arise. If you have ways to bring mindfulness into the practice, you will be amazed at your creativity and musicality.

Even if you don’t play an instrument, you can see how these ideas can help you in any creative venture.

With mindfulness comes awareness that is beyond thoughts. Last week, I was wrapping up a lesson with a student in which we were applying these principles. Suddenly, I was literally drawn outside into the rain with my camera to this brilliant orange lily. I don’t usually take my camera outside in the rain and I don’t normally think about taking photos after I teach.

Here is the image that resulted. The inspiration just came and it brought me a lot of joy to just take the photo. In fact, it drew more response on our Facebook page than any other photo we’ve posted to this point.

Here’s the latest track of GCMusic called, “Whistler Spirit.”

Whistler, British Columbia is a magical and majestic place, not to mention a fantastic place to ski and enjoy outdoor nature sports. Everywhere you look, there is stunning natural beauty. Here’s the tune that came along after visiting the area. The Studio Blog is the place to hear the complete track.

Just press play and enjoy . . .

The Studio Blog is officially two years old! It’s now being presented in its brand new home as our website has been redesigned.

Michael Lehto has reshaped the site to be more attractive and clear for all of our visitors and we are very appreciative of his expertise and creativity.

Thanks to all the loyal readers of the blog. Your feedback has been instrumental in the development of the content of this site.

You can also view this New Water Film entitled, “Natural Vancouver.” You didn’t think we just went to the Olympics without checking out the awesome natural beauty that surrounds the area, did you? Check out this video if you’re looking for a peaceful break to your day:

You can also watch it in HD on YouTube

The new music (the soundtrack to the video) can be downloaded here.

Another post is coming to you tomorrow with a film that features our Olympic Eve experience, watching Michael Bublé carrying the torch.

As always, remember that you can now follow our new GC Creative Studio Facebook page by clicking here and becoming a “fan.”

See you then!

Here’s another new MP3 from GCMusic called “Dusk.” The Studio Blog is the only place to hear the complete track.

Just press play and enjoy this new, mysterious and cinematic track . . .

If you want to own your own copy for your iPod, click here to purchase it.

Also, for those of you who wish to hear my radio interview on Cleveland’s WHK 1420 AM on December 5, here’s the recording of the full interview with Nick Phillips, “The Advocate.” We discussed my musical background and the launch of our new GC Creative Studio product called the Creative Mentor. This exciting 21-day video program was developed for those who wish to find more time for creativity in their busy lives. Enjoy!