Amos Lee, Reaching Out Through Music

November 21, 2018

TLDR: Musician Amos Lee wrote his new album as a way to cope with personal hardships and found the therapeutic experience comforting to others who may be suffering.

Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris

Sharing experiences of managing anxiety through meditation: Meditation, sleep, diet, exercise, medication can help manage anxiety and panic attacks, but there might not be a cure.
Mental health struggles, such as anxiety, are common and can significantly impact one's life. Amos Lee, a well-known singer and songwriter, shares his long-term experience with anxiety and how meditation has been helpful in managing it. Dan Harris, the podcast host, also shares his own experience with panic attacks and the importance of treating mental health like taking care of a thoroughbred horse. He emphasizes the need for enough sleep, a careful diet, aggressive exercise, meditation, and medication, such as beta blockers, to mitigate the symptoms. While there may not be a cure, these practices can make a significant difference in managing anxiety and panic attacks.
Considering daily meditation practice or retreats?: Approach daily practice incrementally, consider retreats based on personal circumstances and reasons, and seek guidance from a teacher or mentor.
When it comes to increasing your daily meditation practice or deciding to go on a retreat, it's essential to consider your individual circumstances carefully. For daily practice, an incremental approach is recommended to avoid setting unrealistic goals and potentially causing unnecessary stress. Regarding retreats, they can be beneficial at any stage of your meditation journey, but timing and selection depend on personal reasons and circumstances. It's important to remember that retreats can be challenging but often lead to significant progress and profound experiences. Ultimately, if you're considering making changes to your meditation practice, consult with a teacher or trusted mentor for guidance.
Commit to a Meditation Retreat for Significant Growth: A 7-10 day meditation retreat can lead to mental quieting and personal growth, while a 3-day retreat offers some benefits, consider retreat centers like Spirit Rock or Insight Meditation Society for a meaningful experience.
For a meaningful meditation retreat experience, committing to at least seven to ten days can lead to significant mental quieting and personal growth. While three days are better than none, longer retreats may offer more profound benefits. To find a good retreat, consider Spirit Rock in California or the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, both known for their exceptional teachers and programs. Amos Lee, a renowned musician, shares his personal experience of using meditation to cope with anxiety and grief, starting in college after his mother's breast cancer diagnosis. His commitment to meditation deepened during a four-day retreat, leading him to become a devoted Buddhist for several years before focusing on his music career.
Exploring spirituality through personal growth: Accept anxiety as a chronic condition and find peace through personal growth and spiritual exploration, not necessarily through traditional monastic paths.
Personal growth and spiritual exploration are not mutually exclusive. The speaker shares how they were drawn to meditation due to anxiety, but their interest in spirituality didn't end there. They found meaning in Buddhist teachings and related to the experiences of others, like Moiro Halloran, who became a Zen priestess. However, they didn't feel the need to become a monk or follow a traditional monastic path. Instead, they learned to manage their anxiety and found solace in music. The speaker emphasizes that anxiety is a chronic condition, and it's essential to accept it rather than trying to cure it completely. Through acceptance and personal growth, one can find meaning and peace in their own way.
Effective tools for managing anxiety: Mindfulness practices like meditation, observing thoughts, positive affirmations, and exercise can help manage anxiety. Connection with others and normalcy can also build resilience.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and observing thoughts without judgment, can be effective tools for managing anxiety. Hearing that others have similar experiences and feeling a sense of connection can also be reassuring. Practical techniques, like replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations, can help challenge anxious thinking. Exercise, specifically meditation while walking, can also be beneficial for staying active and clearing the mind. It's important to remember that mindfulness practices are not a cure-all, but they can be a valuable part of an overall approach to managing anxiety. Additionally, finding ways to preserve a sense of normalcy and connection to others, even in public, can help build resilience and reduce feelings of isolation.
The role of suffering in creativity: While meditation can enhance self-awareness and mental clarity, it doesn't necessarily eliminate negative emotions or neuroses. Some creatives believe that a certain level of suffering or discomfort is necessary for their artistic process.
While meditation can help increase self-awareness and improve mental clarity, it may not necessarily eliminate negative emotions or neuroses. In fact, some creatives believe that a certain level of suffering or discomfort is necessary for their artistic process. This idea was explored in the context of famous composers, with the suggestion that they may have produced better work if they were not as miserable. The speaker also shared his personal experience with meditation and how it has helped him gain a better understanding of his own vulnerabilities and sensitivities, which in turn has given him an advantage in his writing process. However, he also acknowledged that everyone's experience with meditation and creativity is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, the speaker expressed caution about the use of substances in the music industry, noting the dangers of not knowing what one is consuming and the potential for addiction.
Connecting through music and healing: Music can bring people together and provide comfort during difficult times. Community and self-care are important for overall well-being.
Music can be a powerful force for connection and healing. The artist shared how they were moved by stories of young musicians who felt so alone that they took their own lives, and how they wanted to reach out to people through their music to let them know they're not alone. This mission became even more meaningful to the artist after they met parents who shared how their music helped them heal during their son's final days. The artist's latest record is a reflection of this desire to connect and provide comfort through music. Additionally, the conversation touched on the importance of community and self-care, with the artist expressing their appreciation for sponsors like Dell and Whole Foods Market that help make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Easter brunch at Whole Foods Market was highlighted as a perfect opportunity for connection and celebration with loved ones.
Learning the value of service from the Olive Garden: The speaker values service as a way to connect with people and create meaningful experiences, inspired by their experiences at the Olive Garden where they learned to be present and attentive to customers.
For the speaker, providing service to others is a deeply meaningful and important concept. Whether it was in the context of serving customers at a restaurant or performing music for an audience, the speaker saw their role as one of attending to the needs and experiences of others. This mindset came from their experiences at the Olive Garden, where they learned the value of being present and attentive to customers, even in the face of challenges. For the speaker, the idea of service extends beyond just a job or a task, it's a way of connecting with people and creating meaningful experiences for them. This empathetic approach has stayed with them and shapes their work as a musician, where they strive to be present and of service to their audience.
Learning Empathy from 'Quantum Leap' and Real Life: Through personal experiences and working with organizations, the speaker discovered the power of empathy and compassion, inspiring him to bring joy and comfort to those in need.
The television show "Quantum Leap" served as an inspiration for the speaker to cultivate more empathy in his life. Growing up with a naturally empathetic mother, he learned the importance of compassion and understanding, especially during difficult times. This experience led him to work with organizations like Musicians on Call and Melodic Caring Project, where he brings music to those who are unable to leave their beds due to illness. A particular encounter with a sick girl named Maya inspired a song on his record and deepened his connection to the cause. Despite the challenges and hardships he's faced, the speaker finds strength and wisdom in the resilience of those he meets and strives to offer comfort and support in return.
Experiencing suffering brings emotional connections and creativity: Suffering can inspire creativity and deep emotional connections. Being attuned to loved ones' health issues and supporting them during struggles is important.
Suffering is a shared experience that can bring deep emotional connections and inspire creativity. The speaker's personal experience of being with a loved one during her illness and eventual passing led to the creation of songs for her record, with themes of empathy, perseverance, and the desire to hold on to loved ones during difficult times. The speaker also emphasized the importance of being attuned to potential health issues in loved ones, especially those who are diabetic, and being present and supportive during their struggles. The record is a reflection of both the suffering of others and the speaker's own experiences, making it a deeply personal and raw expression of emotion.
Using music to heal and connect during difficult times: Music can bring comfort, solace, and connection during pain and suffering. Focus on the present and how we can positively impact each other's lives.
Music can serve as a powerful bridge for healing and connection during times of pain and suffering. The speaker shares a deeply emotional experience of singing to his dying grandma, using her favorite songs as a way to communicate when words failed him. Music has played a significant role in his own healing process and in helping others cope with loss. The speaker sees music as a form of service, bringing comfort and solace to those in need. He encourages us to focus on the present and the ways we can make a positive impact on each other's lives, rather than dwelling on uncertain notions of the afterlife.
Exploring mortality and the present moment: Appreciating the present can lead to a more enriching life, focusing on renewal, grief, and the unknown, and sharing positivity on social media.
Engaging with the concept of mortality and the present moment can lead to a more enriching and meaningful life, according to the podcast guest. He emphasized the importance of appreciating the here and now, rather than solely focusing on the afterlife or future abundance. The guest also shared his personal experiences and the inspiration behind his latest record, "My New Moon," which explores themes of renewal, grief, and the unknown. Additionally, he expressed his recent foray into social media and encouraged listeners to join him in sharing positivity and happiness.

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