Hello Grasshoppers.
So it seems that yesterday I opened Pandora’s box. No jokes you Aussie girls. Apparently I provided a forum for the frustrated and angry women of the world to vent and didn’t you all give it a red hot crack! It’s a good thing that: (1) we blokes aren’t precious (2) we typically have a low E.Q. so we actually think you girls are joking and (3) most of us don’t read Craig’s blog so we don’t know that we should be offended. One day next week I’ll be offering up the 23 things that blokes probably won’t hear from their girls. I may need some help. I’ll letcha know. I’ll announce the winner of the T-shirt on Monday (re yesterday’s post)… so feel free to keep venting!
A Monday Prequel
On Monday I’ll be sharing a message about escaping the chaos that is our thoughts, and opening the door on the topic of moving towards consciousness. It’s an area of great interest to me and I know that most of you will find it relevant, meaningful and helpful. I also know that some of you will find it confronting and challenging. And a few will think it’s completely weird! On the practical matter of getting out of our thoughts, I am regularly asked how I do it. Over the next few weeks, I will be exploring some simple, yet effective techniques, for moving beyond the chaos of the cerebral and into the calm of consciousness. And while there is no one ‘best’ universal method, for me, one thing that works every time, is music. Providing of course, it’s music that I connect with.
Lost in the Music
Music has always been an escape for me. A refuge; a place to get away from my thoughts for a while and just be. I have played guitar since I was about eight and there’s always one close at hand. I work from two offices, one at the gym and one at home, and there’s a guitar at each. While there are many effective techniques for moving beyond our thoughts, I find that music can take me from chaos to calm in a matter of seconds if I allow it to. Today I just wanted to share with you one of my ‘meditations’ from a musician named Andy McKee. You may hate or love his music depending on your personal taste. He is an incredible guitarist who I came across here on the net and I have been listening to him for a while. His style is indeed unique but the sound that he and his instrument create is beautiful. For me anyway. Three minutes of Andy is like a mini holiday for me. If you really want to see someone who is totally out of his thoughts, take a look at Andy play; it’s like he and his guitar have morphed into one big expression of creative genius. I hope you enjoy one of my fave escapes.
Take a listen by clicking on the play thingy below.
Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts on…
1. What you think of Andy’s music
2. Your fave getting-out-of-your-thoughts music
3. Your most effective getting-out-of-your-thoughts technique
4. Anything that’s on topic
If you’re not sure how to do the comment thing, click here.
Enjoy your weekend…
Ciao x
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{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
Craig,
If you dig this guy (and I dug it big-style), you’ll did Kaki King – check her out, she’s pretty awesome.
Big love,
Linda
I have to say that I like Andy’s technique more than I like his music… but both are great. It’s not something that I’d listen to while I’m trying to get out of my head, because it has too many changes, too many distractions.
Then again, that’s just me, and that’s just how my brain is wired… and I don’t exactly relish the idea of thinking “normally.”
My technique for getting out of my head is a very complex ritual. It starts with remembering that I can get out of my head in the first place. That’s no easy feat.
Once I remember to get out of my head, I have to clean. I can’t have any outside distractions if I’m to get into the zone, and a cluttered house is a really big distraction.
Next, I select my music… or rather, I select the specific style of music and let the Music Genome Project make me a playlist… Some days are completely different from others, and some hours are completely different from others, so there are no one-size-fits-all playlists.
Then, I sit at my computer, open up a few text editors, and look at some programming source code that I’ve been working on. Over the next 30-ish minutes, I review the code, tweak a couple of things, and figure out what I want to work on for the day… Somewhere in that time, tweaking the code turns into writing new code, and my conscious mind slips into the act of programming, leaving my thoughts as still as a crystal clear lake with no wind. After about three hours, my body reminds me that it needs attention, so I go off to refocus my mind and attend to my body, but on a good day, I can stay in a meditative and productive state for about 9 hours.
Unfortunately, those days are rare… perhaps twice or three times a month.
As for the music that I use, it’s generally Techno, classic Rock (Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, etc.), or even Classical, especially Bach.
– The Adam Who Leaves Long Comments
That was awesome, I loved it as did my almost 2yr old son he came running from the other end of the house as soon as it started playing and actually sat still for the 3 mins to watch it lol.
That was magic.
Love Mel
Loved, Loved, Loved Andy’s music.
Thanks Craig.
They for the tip Linda…
Hi Adam the long commentor.
I enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it Mel
Rod Alexander. I came across this bloke when I was walking around Sydney (Martin Place) with a friend. He’s amazing. The guitar he plays is more AMAZING. It’s a guitar-harp hybrid thing. I couldn’t walk away without buying his CD (I could lend it to you if you like, Craig – you might like him too).
You can hear some of his music here:
http://www.myspace.com/rodneyalexander
Other music I love to get out of my own headspace is Coldplay and Dido.
So you really play your guitar at the Harperdome? Go glad you have found something you love that gets you out of your busy (but productive) head
And, it’s irrelevant if you’re any good. Who friggen cares. It’s about YOU. I’d like to get back into creating music too. I played clarinet at school. I’m thinking something totally different though – ?cello maybe. I’ve even composed a couple of pieces (a trio for three clarinets and a woodwind trio for clarinet, oboe and bassoon). They were both written for VCE (Yr 12) music subjects. It went down great with my teachers and family. We performed them too – it’s AMAZING when something YOU create on paper comes to life.
Jules (Melbourne)
Andy’s technique and music are both amazing… the best piece of music for me for getting out of my thoughts is Chicane “Low Sun” – its like listening to a sunset at the beach… absolutely love it! It takes my heart rate right down.
Any African tribal music is also amazingly effective… even just the soundtrack of the Power of One.
Best way to get out of my thoughts is to do a meditation in which I just allow myself to acknowledge that I am “one” with everything. Ie that there is no separation between myself and the seat, the floor and the trees outside… its a very effective way of connecting and grounding.
The Holosync meditation CD which is the sound of pouring rain and Tibetan bells is outstanding
Emma
Thanks for the tip Jules – I’ll take a peek …
I love tribal music too Emma…
Thanks for your thoughts
Hi Craig,
loved the music….felt myself chilling big time with it!!!
One thing I do, which annoys my 16yo son big time (and don’t I love doing that lol) is to simply switch off my ears and totally tune out. I can do this for ages with him until he screams “you are so rude” at me lol. Kinda ruins the effect then.
I find music calms me and singing along gets me out of myself too. (mind you singing does nothing for everyone else, but I feel better lol)
Looking forward to the rest of your articles on this
Have an awesome weekend (catch you on light fm)
Hugs
Chelle xxx
I enjoyed Andy's music and any guitar music (balladish mostly) in general. Funny you should be talking about that – you mind reading, private eye you – as I'd recently been thinking about how my brother, who has been under heaps of stress (legal, court battles etc…) is still finding time to play his guitar daily. I was pleased to know that he was 'cos other than doing that, he is not taking many other measures to combat the emotional and mental stress he is facing. He probably would not think of his guitar playing as an activity that is 'getting him out of his thoughts', but there you go…it is simple yet magical at the same time. No meditaion training required!
On the subject of meditaion training however… Paul Wilson's (author of the The Quiet) website has some great tools and guides on the subject. I have visited it often and have found the 'howto's 'section (under tools & guides) a fun and simple way to learn more about staying in the present.
Good topic this one! Enjoying it and looking forward to more discussion next week…..have a great day Craigo (& all).
See ya..hugs,
Mon
Andy’s style is fascinating and sounds good too -he’ll be an extraordinary harp player when he gets his harp. I get outa my head on anything from Miriam Makeba/African to the Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly to Meditation by Masseneh. I used to listen to whiny victim love songs years ago and have my head in the oven – thank God we can change. Mostly play computer word games and can switch off very effectively for hours. However, music is food for the soul, so bring on the music as well! ()
Oh so relevant today!! My head has been in overload of late…too many "stresses" that I let get to me. So I peaked & crashed & then started working on things individually & working on my positive attitude….where did that go?? My head was sooooo clogged up, I couldnt even drag myself to my beloved PT sessions. tsk tsk Yes I know it would have been good to go & normally I would, but I needed time out in nature & with my doggies…oh I feel sooooo much better now. Really looking forward to your headspace clearing topic next week. Thanks to Adam for reminding me about Pink Floyd!! WOO HOO!! Might even crank up some Queen on the weekend as I clear out my junk room….yes it is relative…. clutter in the house, clutter in the head… look out next week, I'll be an empty head!! ha ha ha
Enjoy your weekend everyone,
Pet
xoxo
PS Will listen to your guitar playing dude later on. I love guitar & used to play….hmmm…lotsa things I used to do that might need to come back into my life…. guitar & drawing…
Whenever I want to get into consciousness, I listen to Wayne Dyer…he was a catalyst for change in my life many years ago now…hope to head to Hawaii later in the year to hear him…
If Wayne was only 20 years younger, lived in Melb and oh, single; just slightly more appealing than the 23 EI Bloke’s list
another Linda
That's truly beautiful. Hubby has shown it to me before. i just played it to him again via your page & he wasn't listening to a word I was saying (WTF?) because he was mesmerised by Andy.
1. What you think of Andy's music
Andy is really getting into it. When a musician can 'feel' the music they play, it is really obvious to me. It gives the listener permission to 'come along' and become one with the music as well – like there's a big safety net surrounding it. Andy plays like how my husband eats his dinner – he has a style, he's done it tonnes of times before, he knows what to go for next, it relaxes him & it makes him feel good.
2. Your fave getting-out-of-your-thoughts music
I'm a sucker for piano & acoustic guitar ballads – and HARMONIES! It just "lifts" me somehow! I started playing piano 30 years ago & writing music when I was 10! so any trigger of piano takes me to another space. Also particular 80s music can take me back to a time when it was FUN (a different kind of fun!!)
3. Your most effective getting-out-of-your-thoughts technique
Other than the "apartment block" thingo lol.. well, I WRITE music! It takes me to another place faaaaar away. When I was younger, I used to sit at my piano for about 4 hours a night and just close my eyes and play. I actually write every day now – every where – in my head, not just the studio. When I'm filling the dishwasher, in the car, I've always got my recorder ready to take down that amazing melody & ideas on a 5 part harmony. I love it! I work with others to get their music recorded too, so sitting at the desk (a different kind of desk!) & developing songs with people is a thrill. It's like a Helicopter Pilot jumping in their seat.. and once they lift up they experience that "thrill" they're doing what they love doing!
4. Anything that's on topic
Our house is filled with anything that allows freedom to create sound – we've got every musical instrument under the sun lying around, recorders, a weighted keyboard ALWAYS ON ready to go!, djembes, harmonicas, shakers, you name it! My 3 little girls are constantly making noise + they're ALWAYS singing. Sometimes the 2 girls, myself & hubby are all singing/playing different songs – ALL AT THE SAME TIME (& baby screaming in the background!!) no wonder why i'm going a little loony.
I believe every child – every adult – should be exposed to a musical instrument around them, don't worry about lessons (if you're worried). First "feel" the instrument. Forget the rules. There's no-one to slap a $200 Fine on your Keyboard Stand for not following a Music Lessons Law.
Go – feel – express – enjoy!
vicki xox
Andy Mckee – Very cool..
Hey Craig – I have been visiting your site for awhile now and wanted to say Hi.
I really enjoy checking out your posts during the day, and admit that sometimes I just skim through the long (or too challenging!) ones…but I think the reason why I enjoy stopping by so much is the overall positive feel your site has, the variety of your posts (and readers comments!!) and the way you freely share your knowledge and awesome lust for life!! Thanks heaps
shanny
Cheers Chelle… ( )
Thanks for dropping by and sharing Mon.. ( )
Hugs for Edith ( )
You can’t go wrong with a little Bohemian Rhapsody Pet…
Yeah Wayne’s kinda cool Linda – I’ve heard him speak too. Great.
Cheers…
Well thankyou Shanny – you’re very welcome…
Hi Craig, love the music. I must be a bit technically dumb as I couldn’t find the link, but found him on you tube anyway. He is fascinating to watch and listen.
Very calming for a frustrating Friday for me!! Cheers, Nerida
Sweeeeeeeeeeeet.
Just really wanted to say that!!
My fave out of my thoughts music is prolly Melissa Etheridge although I dont listen to her ordinarily.
My technique is to clean. Sad but true.
Have a great weekend!
x
“Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” William Congreve(24 January 1670 – 19 January 1729) – English poet and playwright.
Air-guitaring to hard rock/heavy metal is my number one method, for the past three decades, to get away from the runaway train that is my grey stuff (over)thinking.
I also find total focus on solving sudoku/adduko puzzles a brilliant way to “just be” in the moment and to hit the “flow” state.
Lastly, rubbing the leaves in my herb garden and smelling deeply of the scent on my fingers is very calming.
Even though I generally like my music on the loud and rockin’ side, I dug Andy’s music. I also dug watching him getting into the flow and enjoying himself.
A couple of decades ago I worked at a two different live music venues as a busboy, and I always took the time to watch guitarists who were heavily into their playing. Out of all the guitarists I watched three I dug the most were; Charlie Sexton (he was the lead guitarist for a Jimmy Barnes tour and his charisma and talent blew J Barnes right off the stage), a dude who’s name I don’t know but when he played in Iggy Pop’s band he was an absolute demon, and finally Buddy Guy, who just oozed so much enjoyment of his playing. I have a real appreciation of those who make the most of and enjoy their creative talents.
Time to crank some tunes up!!!
Cheers,
Ben
Hi Craig,
Hmmm. Feeling a little left out of this one. I can appreciate that Andy is very clever and I’m glad that you have something to get you out of your thoughts.
My thoughts never stop, never. Here’s an example:
Today at my pt session I was doing those lateral pull down doobies when I noticed on the video screen the clip to ‘Word-Up’ by Cameo was on (those eighties-tragics amongst us will remember the song). Here’s how my brain reacted:
“Why is the lead singer wearing a cod-piece? Was that EVER fashionable? Why is it called a cod-piece? They were around in the Middle Ages (according to Black Adder). I wonder whether they had a practical military purpose or whether they were purely decorative. Were they originally made out of a cod? Or perhaps the skin of a cod – fishskin can be very durable if it’s tanned in the right way. Like crocodile skin. But crocodiles are reptiles not fish. Obviously. Must google it when I get home. Maybe there was a ‘Lord Cod’ who was the trendsetter who started them. Hmmm.”
Needless to say, by this time I’d completely lost focus and if it weren’t for Richard the Torturer standing by I probably would have hurt myself.
How do I join the ‘in the moment’, ‘out of your thoughts’ club that everyone else seems to be a member of?
EG xxx
Be the Change Nerida… and
Be the calm in the chaos
Thanks for stopping by
Friday
“My technique is to clean. Sad but true.”
Dude, that’s not sad – that’s friggin’ tragic…
Hello air-guitar boy Ben…
You know you get me all excited when you quote those crusty old literary types… stop it!
Cheers
PS: I’m with you – I find some smells very calming and therapeutic.
Hi EG
You reaaaaally need to find your off switch. Start by being still and consciously trying to clear your mind. Start with 3 x 3 mins per day… (3 mins can seem like forever when you’re doing your best to NOT think – at all).
And then find yourself a place where you can get involved in some semi-regular meditation…
Yes we’d buy it, even the guitar crazy 13 year old liked it. He did wonder though, what would possess someone to want to try playing a guitar like that… he’s full of questions, ones that I have very few good answers to.
Hi Lisa – yep, it is a unique(!) style…
OOH OOH!! Love Andy McKee….. how cool is he!! Now where’s me gee-tarrrrr!!!
Pet again!
Just realised its got a quite similar vibe to John Butler’s “Valley”. Both men are extremely talented guitarists!
Emma
Forgot to say I loved Andy too. Thanks. Where is he from?
I like Celtic music too. And what is that music the Monks sing? Gregorian Chants.
I swim to get-out-of-my-thoughts. Swim the black line for 3-4 km. I totally immerse myself in it and for a couple of hours my head is otherwise a clearway. Maybe I should do a double crossing of the English Channel to rid myself of the over-thinking thing? [Hi Tammy van Wisse, if you're reading this]
Another thing that gets-me-out-of-my-thoughts is a hard core PT session. There’s nothing like it! Go the super-setting! There ain’t an option to stall or over-think anything unless you want to be doing pushups for an hour
“Come on, you’re stalling”… “If you’re not over there [to the dips machine] in 5 seconds you’re doing pushups.” I ran the first time to avoid pain (of doing pushups). The second time I tested him and slowly walked over. Gavin sure wasn’t bullshitting. I had to do pushups.
Hi Craig
Gotta say I appreciated Andy's technique but the actual music did nothing for me.
Music is my preferred choice to escape the chaos of my mind and nothing takes me to that place and feeds my soul and spirit like U2.
And Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is an absolute classic. I always wanted to get stoned and have sex while listening to Great Gig in the Sky. Perhaps I will one day and I'll let you know how it worked for me!
On a more serious note a song called Naked Heart from one of my favourite artists Julie Miller contains the lyrics – "If I should look at the truth inside I feel like I might not survive."
For many years I was terrified that acknowledging & facing the anger, bitterness and resentment I had inside would be so painful it would kill me. It was only through involvement in a 12-step programme and being forced to stand in front of people and share honestly that I was able to do it. Amazing that the thing I thought would be so unbearable actually set me free and allowed healing and change to take place.
I guess that's why many people are scared of going to that place of consciousness – they know they won't like facing what their chaotic, busy minds are covering up.
So, I'm looking forward to your teachings on how to reach the calm of consciousness. Think I'll buy a Kaftan and some incense on the weekend to help get me in the zone.
Love your work Cookie Monster
( )
Hey Craig ! Wow… ‘scuse me while I just go and cut off all my fingers !!
Not that guitar is my instrument of preference (as far as playing) but I can pick out a tune or two.
Keyboard is my thing although I don’t play as much now as I used to… my band days are sadly behind me ! But yes, music is one way I get out of my thoughts.
Sudoku puzzles have been known to make me lose hours at a time, as has Photoshopping. Lost count of how many times I’ve forgotten to cook dinner ! Oh, and put a camera in my hand and the world only exists through that lens !
{{HUG}}
Tina
Gidday mate, Andy is sweet. I always can veg out to music, and depending on what music to how I am feeling. An all time fav that relax’s me when I want to empty my thoughts is Mike Oldfields Tubular Bells. An oldie but a goodie.
Cheerss mate,chat soon, Love from me to you big boy, Vin.
I think I'll check out Andy's website & Music.
My out of thought music is almost anything classical. Sounds cliched, but it really does calm things (and kids) down.