Who’s actually writing this music?

I had a great conversation with one of my business colleagues yesterday about the tenuous relationship a person has with his/her subconscious “self.”  I described this relationship, in my personal experience: “We’re like ambivalent co-workers — we work OK together, but don’t really like each other.”  The real trick is getting out of my own way to allow my smarter, better-connected inner self to rule. (This is where those tired-but-true words of wisdom ring forth: “Trust your gut,”  “Listen to your instincts,” etc.)

I am certain that the process of writing music is the closest I come to simply allowing the subconscious to take over.  Evidence was at the ready this week:  I wrote eight measures of music on Monday.  On Tuesday, I realized it was written for a specific upcoming occasion (Memorial Day).  Previous to this, there have been several occasions when music has emerged, and days later it has been clear that it was in dedication to someone who has passed on.

With all that life deals us, we need reminders that we have an inner connection to each other, to this earth, to the universe, to God.  If we pay close attention, our success will be great, our lives will be fulfilling, our efforts will be meaningful.