Staying Optimystical

Greetings, dear readers. Today, MaGuru will impart an important principle that relates to music, and to life in the bigger picture. It is the concept of Staying Optimystical.

What is Optimystical, you may ask?

MaGuru defines it as the art of staying positive with a spiritual (or mystical) perspective. An old school expression that addresses this is: "An optimist is someone who sees the glass as half full, instead of half empty." We've all heard this phrase. An Optimystical person takes it a step further with the understanding that what is visible in the glass is topped off by an unseen mystical essence that makes life a richer, deeper, more positive and fulfilling experience.

In a musical context, an Optimystical person values the journey as much, or more, than the ultimate outcome. As Ram Dass has so eloquently said, Be Here Now. 

And, as MaGuru says, Be Here Now. And now . . . and now . . . And. Now.

There is no end to one's musical journey. As with enlightenment, when one "claims" to be enlightened, they surely are not. Similarly, when someone believes they've reached the limit of their own ability, they are just as surely mistaken.

Enjoy your musical journey! Stay Optimystical.

Oh, MaGuru, you've done it again.

KARMA-LELE

After this long and arduous political season, many of my students and devotees have contacted me, saying, "Oh MaGuru, please share some of your wisdom and immense depth.

To that, I, MaGuru, sayeth:

Practice "Karma-lele."  This is the spiritual principle of ukulele cause and effect where harmonious intent and actions of an individual or group influence the future of that individual or group.

In other words, as Paul McCartney almost said, "The music you take is equal to the music you make."

As Mohandas Gandhi almost said, "Be the musical change you want to see in the world."

As MaGuru says - "Be your own spin doctor." Meaning, if you play a note or chord that is not "traditional" (correct), claim ownership and declare that you are expressing an alternative and intuitive version.

Repeat after MaGuru:

My groove is on a higher plane.

My groove is on a higher plane.

My groove . . . . . . . .

And finally - LOOSEN UP! It's going to be okay . . . really . . .

Oh, MaGuru...you've done it again. 

The Tao of Performance

I played this great just before we got on line for my lesson.

I have such performance anxiety.

What if I forget the chords?

What if I forget the lyrics?

If Stu MaGuru had a dollar for every time he heard these words, he wouldn’t be able to close his wallet!

This brings up The Tao (way or path) of Performance. Performing means different things to different people. Playing one’s lesson for the teacher…playing at an open-mic night…playing at a dive bar…or even in stadiums. Most people feel what they perceive as fear when they think of performing. In particular, the fear that they may embarrass themselves.

Yes, even I, MaGuru, have experienced this trepidation, as well.

Of course, the more one does anything, the better and more comfortable they become at it. My partner in love and music, Atlanta Janna (AKA Ms. Guru) reframed this issue in a very constructive way. She said to me once that for her, being nervous felt physically very much like being excited. When she experiences those feelings associated with fear, she thinks, "I'm excited to be playing!" So, the adrenaline of fear transforms into the adrenaline of excitement, and she uses that to energize her performances.

MaGuru thinks that is brilliant! Say to yourself, "I am excited, not nervous." Just saying the words will make you smile. No fear, just excitement. If you do miss a chord, keep on playing! No one will notice or remember at the end of the song. If you forget the lyrics, make something up or make a joke about it. It's fun for the audience.

Speaking of exciting – Ms. Guru and I had the great pleasure of seeing a fantastic ukulele performer this past weekend. "Danielle Ate The Sandwich" (not her real name…well, Danielle is.) performed at The UKE Republic outside of Atlanta. MaGuru and Atlanta Janna were captivated by this delightful and extremely talented performer. Danielle was funny, self-deprecating, witty with the audience, and this woman can sing! Terrific original material, a very good ukulele player, and did I mention she can sing? Danielle has surely experienced nervousness around performing, but not on this night. Or, at least it wasn't apparent to MaGuru. 

Danielle Ate The Sandwich was the most enjoyable performance I’ve seen in a very long time. She will be performing soon in the following cities. If possible, go see her, or look for her in the future. She has a new CD – Terrible Dinner Guest. Terrific.

9.23 - Washington, DC

9.24 - Philadelphia, PA


9.27 - Hamden, CT

9.28 - Altoona, PA


9.29 - Columbus, OH

10.1 - Milwaukee, WI

Here is one of her songs:
https://youtu.be/75NyVgW0d7Q  ("Bad Habit").

http://danielleatethesandwich.com/

Oh, MaGuru, you've done it again!