In her book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert lists some of the many ways in which you might be afraid to live a more creative life. To mention a few:
You're afraid you have no talent.
You're afraid you'll be rejected or criticised or ridiculed or misunderstood or ignored
You're afraid somebody else already did it better.
You're afraid everybody else already did it better.
You're afraid you're too old to start.
You're afraid you're too young to start.
These thoughts or beliefs are (to say the least) unhelpful when you're trying to pursue your music.
So how can we distance ourselves from these limiting thoughts or beliefs and cultivate beliefs that support us in our creative career?
Byron Katie introduced 4 questions to turn around negative thoughts beliefs.
1. Is it true?
2. Can you absolutely know that it is true?
3. How do you react, what happens when you believe that thought?
Close your eyes. What images do you see, past or future, and what emotions or physical sensations arise as you witness those images?
4. Who would you be without that thought?
Closing your eyes, take a moment to experience who you'd be and how you'd feel without the thought? Notice what is revealed.
We live in a society where we are constantly encouraged to do more, to be more efficient and productive. Many of us feel there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done and end up feeling anxious and unsatisfied. There's a lot of focus on efficiency, age, beauty and social media make it so easy to fall into the comparison trap.
My yoga & meditation practice helps me focus more on truth. Being. Feeling. I want to be true - not necessarily young and productive.
You have thoughts, you are not your thoughts. You don't have to believe every thought that comes up. You can select. It's up to you. Which thought/believe do you choose to believe? Where attention goes, energy flows.
You are here. On planet Earth. That is a miracle. And you can make the world more beautiful by being you and sharing your gift.