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| By dave@dmwcreative.com at www.morguefile.com |
As I continue reading the Art of Possibility, I'm finding that I’m really enjoying this book and have gotten more out of this book then all of the other books in the program combined. What a difference it is compared to the likes of Creswell (Remember that one?) As a musician and teacher I can really understand and relate to the stories Benjamin Zander tells in the book. As a fellow music teacher and conductor, it’s been awesome to gather insights and lessons from one of the greats. I especially appreciate his candor about making mistakes on the podium and being truly honest with his musicians. We all make mistakes and as he stated in the 7th chapter about the Way things Are, we must not be afraid to make mistakes and to strive to play to the lines of our limitations. It is there where our true artfulness and passion will come through. I think the adage, “Put the pedal to the medal is an appropriate analogy”.
Through the themes in chapters 5 – 8; Lead from any chair, Rule number 6, The Way Things Are and Giving Way to Passion, I can't help but see how closely related the lessons and concepts the Zanders illustrate are to spirituality. As I think about it, their discussions on opening yourself up to Creativity, Possibility and Passion, really do connect with the same principles you would hear when speaking about spirituality. Spirituality entails going beyond your self and thinking in a different manner. It involves letting go barriers of control that inhibit spiritual realization and means putting trust outside of yourself. In chapter 7, Zander describes how composers will often try to write music at the extreme level of ones instrumental ability. When this happens the strain and anguish of playing that particular passage comes through in the music. It is this strain where true art and expression occur and the connection between this and spirituality exists. In order to become truly passionate and truly spiritual we have to be able to wholly commit and admonish ourselves to the task at hand.
I love how you connect going beyond oneself and spirituality. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love Ben Zander’s amazing insights about the artist as a spiritual, mental, and emotional being. So while most of us are content to settle for the mundane, the safe, the known territory, Ben is encouraging us to push ourselves for the greatest heights and to accomplish the greatest feat. If we don’t try, we will never know the satisfaction that comes as a result of the process, and we’ll never be brave enough to keep trying to do better the next time. It’s a bit ironic. On the one hand, pressing beyond the safe boundaries requires us to risk “failure”; on the other hand, it’s the only way to discover the thrill of life.
ReplyDeleteI feel like you really understood and verbally captured well what I believe Zander was trying to tell us, go beyond what you ever imagined, push yourself to higher limits to achieve the greatness within yourself while not being afraid to make mistakes. Not many of us are risk takers and prefer the safe path, but those that venture down the unknown road often discover treasures that give their life new meaning. I can see from you excellent blog pages that you are a musician and that you can totally relate to many of the stories in the book. I really enjoyed reading your post and feeling your strong connection to spirituality, a special gift that artist like you have. Nicely done Thanh.
ReplyDeleteThanh,
ReplyDeleteZender made the great connection to our spiritual state. It is our fears that often keep us from stepping forward. Humans are created with a spiritual state were we must believe, have faith in the Creator. In doing this there are so many things which keep us from wanting to have faith in our Creator. The same in true in the possibilities in our life. Will we walk my faith, pour out our passion in the tasks set before us, or will be okay with not knowing?
Thanh,
ReplyDeleteExcellent commentary. I agree with the spirituality aspect that you point out. I often thought of eastern philosophical thought while reading this book. In many ways it is very similar to zen teachings. As they state in the book, letting go of the ego lets the true self shine through. Very powerful statements.