Balancing our Creativity, a series written by David Darling, has him thinking aloud about some of MfP’s original, core ‘mantras.’ In our last newsletter, we offered David’s take on the Yin energy. You can find that here on our blog. As you read these short notes, you’ll notice that even now, 22 years later, it all rings true. Still.
Balancing Our Creativity: Yang Energy… Huh!
By David Darling
We contemporary humans have been subjected to a sensationalism and propaganda of images and language that have made it difficult for each of us to know the truth of how we are physically. Much of this imagery has created a false sense of futility in terms of our own ability to act reasonably toward our bodies and our breath. Our music that is in touch with the “Infinite” rather than the exaggerated “Finite” of our physical self will flow with melodies and rhythms that are full of energy and balance.
When we take time to stretch, walk, run, dance, breathe, meditate, etc., we will find that our music flows from a sacred and balanced place. Balancing our music time and practice with short moments of complete dedication to breathing through walking, jumping, stretching, gives us energy and direction that is profoundly related to “The Infinite” of our music.
Remember… Yea!! energy is your loudest sounding voice. This sound when done with complete breath and body support makes us healthy. Can your Yea! voice be heard across the field to the mountains beyond?? Is your groove on the djembe full of strong physical accents?? Can you make a crescendo (soft to as loud as possible) that is exciting because your voice and instrument are taking you into the “Infinite of Loud”!!!??
Is your soft voice connected to your heart feeling?? Create soft sounds that last for 10 to 15 seconds without breath. Empty the breath chamber, the lungs, so that your body begins to be alive with energy.
Lao Tsu says (paraphrased by David Darling)
Not exulting the gifted prevents quarreling,
Not collecting treasures prevents stealing,
Not seeing desirable things prevents confusion of the heart.
The wise therefore rule by emptying hearts and stuffing bellies,
By weakening ambitions and strengthening bones…
Movement overcomes cold.
Stillness overcomes heat.
Stillness and Tranquillity set things in order in the universe….