December 12- The Cosmic Scheme of Things

“Spirituality exists wherever we struggle with the issue of how our lives fit into the greater cosmic scheme of things. This is true even when our questions never give way to specific answers or give rise to specific practices such as prayer or meditation. We encounter spiritual issues every time we wonder where the universe comes from, why we are here, or what happens when we die. We also become spiritual when we become moved by values such as beauty, love, or creativity that seem to reveal a meaning or power beyond our visible world. An idea or practice is “spiritual” when it reveals our personal desire to establish a felt-relationship with the deepest meanings or powers governing life.”- Robert C. Fuller

Musicians live tuned to spirit, but many would not consider themselves practitioners of spirituality. The direct opposite may be the case. Music may have happened in our lives as a rebellious response to society as a whole. It may have been a way to be different from others. Whatever you think made you a musician, to deny the spiritual aspects of your practice is to deny your very essence.

Musicians are thinkers, pondering the great questions of life and love. Within it’s complexity and struggle, musicians discover illumination and, in the greatest testament to spirituality, we don’t keep it to ourselves. Our  inspirations and discoveries manifest as songs. And we share those songs with others, to let them know, that, yes, indeed life is not often fun or kind but we can enjoy it and savor it and be happy regardless. Often we share songs of heartbreak and hurt, assuring our listeners that we, too, have felt the sting of loss and loneliness. Musicians and their songs make it easier to navigate the world, because we allow listeners to understand that they are not alone in their feelings, sorrows, and emotions.

Truly notice your audience next time you perform.  Faces light up, toes tap, dancing starts. It’s innate human spirit to seek illumination and enlightenment and joy with others. Watch your audience respond to your music and tell me you are not doing something entirely holy. Understand your performance from a spiritaul perspective.

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