Friday, December 03, 2010

Songwriting as a Spiritual Practice: Rehearsal

As songwriters in today's culture, we're accustomed to thinking of our practice time in goal-oriented terms. We may focus only on the songs we think are likely to earn us the most recognition...only our "newest" or "best" songs...or only the songs we plan to play in an upcoming performance.

When we align our songwriting only with aspirations for acclaim, we overlook the rich possibilities it offers for spiritual deepening. Seen as a form of spiritual practice, our "practice" time can be a richly illuminating experience and one that informs every aspect of our lives.

To re-frame your rehearsal time as spiritual practice, it can be helpful to piggyback it onto an existing practice routine. Plan to play and sing for a set period of time (say, 15 minutes) immediately following your yoga, meditation, prayer or walking practice.

In doing so, you may find that you are more "present" and receptive to your instrument, your breathing, your mind and your voice. You may find yourself more attuned to unexpected inspiration: perhaps a song you haven't played for awhile that suddenly occurs to you.

This morning, I found myself playing a very old song. I didn't know why I was playing it! To my surprise, a lyric in the last verse shed new light on a current situation.

Because my rehearsal time was oriented as spiritual practice, my mind was calm, receptive and non-judging. I was able to allow my inner wisdom to bubble up. I played the song well too--despite it not being in my regular repertoire.

When practice time becomes part of our spiritual practice, it can become a joyful and freeing experience, opening up new possibilities for our lives as songwriters.