This is my first experience writing a blog, and I am extremely excited to use this place to express myself specifically in the two realms that are most important to me at this stage of life: music and the purpose in life. I think that most composers have a philosophical edge to their thinking because the composing process takes an outward exploration to the current world and then an inward dive deep into the soul. The result of this dual-awareness helps in creating the music that best represents its time; it helps us tie our music to the common threads that bind together the human family while at the same time relating experience to the current culture and society. This principle would do well in all arts and humanities fields, yet I think it is a necessary trait for all of us to have. It can allow us to be balanced in our efforts to do something meaningful with our lives and still feel accomplished inside. Let me expound on this subject:
When I write of an "outward exploration to the current world", I do not refer to checking the online news or skimming the latest releases of electronic gadgets or political debates. While these things are interesting, I recommend spelunking into the depths of knowledge we have in the age of information rather than riding on the surface waves that we so commonly ride. Instead of surfing the web, it may be better to go spelunking in the web because it is just that: a web! The internet is a great place for information, yet it catches everything inside. While spiders may not worry much about their choice of food for the day, our webs are full of foods, some poisonous and others extremely delicious. To make sense of this analogy, we are going to have to do two things to truly explore what we have on our fingertips in these days: first, we will need to dig deep--we will only get a fragment of the truth we seek by riding on the waves that come each day from varied sources that many times seem much more authoritative than they truly are-- and second, we will need to be picky in our intake--the filtering process is a tough topic but that is where we need to call upon inspiration from the inward take.
The "inward dive" should be just as important in our lives as the exploration that find in our studies. If there is anything that we should value, it should be our state of satisfaction and happiness with our lives. However, with countless techniques and remedies advertised to create happiness, we often forget that the source of happiness can be found by simply knowing oneself. The shackles of experimentation caused by some of the sketchy "solutions" to happiness turn out to be a regret for times to come. As we learn to search within ourselves and express those feelings, we can begin to understand what concepts create a better world; the creative power of the human soul takes artistic flight by our pondering and struggles to find a more joyful place. The days of strict codes to follow as imposed by society are gone, which is a great issue of our times. It means that we will have to secure for ourselves the morals that will do best in society. Whether it be on the subject of family, piracy, relationships, politics, or any other issue of our times, we need to dive inwards to the greatest parts of our soul to determine the truth of the situation. An important concept that should be prevalent in this soul-searching is to remember that the past always resonates within us. Our experiences should teach us truths and the experiences of people of other times and places should teach us the important truths that we need to successfully build our moral center. This topic could use a lengthy discussion, but the point is that before getting carried away by all that is happening outside, we need to make sure that we have solidified what is inside. Science has seemed to fail in answering questions regarding true and pure happiness; it can only tell us what happiness is not. Happiness will be found by establishing a solid ideology. As a Christian, I know my values to base my world around and I am happy to say that they complement every aspect of my life in a positive way. However, I cannot imagine going through life without that central core of belief or moral code because we lose purpose without a strong inner foundation. That would be why Christ compared His teachings to building a house on a rock; they provide a foundation that allows a person to move forward with perfect confidence and hope in the answers to find truth and happiness.
Overall, the dual awareness we need involves both looking outward and searching inward (or upward for the religious). As a musician, my music stems from the interaction point of these two sources of knowledge that I have: the knowledge I learn from my resources around me, and the knowledge I receive in meditation and in inspiration. We can all have those same experiences as we develop a dual awareness about us.
I hope to update this blog when time permits, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts on music and our purposes here in life. My goal is to give greater insight into the workings of music while using the best knowledge I possess to provide guidance and explanation for my world view, which has helped me pass through many problems with success and joy. My faith shares a strong part of that world view, so I will not hesitate to include some experiences that I would call spiritual if it will express the point. Well, have a great week!
