Taster: A Creative's mindful practice is a necessity—not an indulgence
"Clarity arrives not at my desk but on the cushion"
Hello friends,
I’m sharing a preview of this week’s re:sonate newsletter with you. ICYMI, it’s a weekly newsletter co-authored by Tim Garcia and I, where we aim to arm people who contribute to music—whether as music makers, DJs, curators, broadcasters, fans, etc—with insight, no BS helpful information and refreshing discourse about how to thrive and not just survive.
This week, we’re diving into how a mindful practice is a necessity for navigating the demands and challenges of a career in music…
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Tina: Make some space. It’s all in the clearing
When you strip back your life to the essence of you, what is there? Beneath the ego, the ambitions, the financial goals (it doesn’t have to be about financial gain - just to breakeven on a tour is a valid goal). Who are you and what do you think about without the music? Music is a language, a vessel—so what are you communicating? The answer to this may help you to consider your core values and who you are beyond the music (in case, like I’ve done occasionally, you’d forgotten there was anyone there beyond that version of you).
Since March I’ve been practicing self-hypnosis. A day course I signed up for in Indonesia in a moment of “why the Hell not give this a try?”, unexpectedly struck a deep, resonant chord with me. Through the discipline of hypnosis I go to sleep every night listening to a 25 minute tailor-made script, written and recorded myself. It’s advised to listen to these scripts, which use persuasive, objective language, for at least 30 nights. Sometimes they’re oriented around spiritual and personal growth—sometimes they’re more career and goal focused. I’ve noticed a considerable change in how confidently I approach certain challenges and tasks since bringing this practice into my routine.
However, it’s Traditional Chinese Medicine that has truly anchored me throughout my adult years. That includes regular acupuncture (multi-bed options make it far more affordable), herbal medicine if required, and something that I first took a chance on in the Summer of 2024…
Tim: Sitting with what is
Tina’s right that a mindful practice can feel like an indulgence when your inbox is on fire and the next gig is looming. But for me it’s the opposite of luxury — it’s maintenance. I started meditating most days in my early twenties and have always thought of it the way I think of a shower: hygiene for the mind. You wouldn’t skip washing for a week and expect to feel like yourself. Stillness for me works the same way. It clears space in a life that otherwise fills itself without asking permission.
I can trace some of this back further than I’d probably like to admit — a childhood spent obsessing over Dragon Ball Z gave me an early, cartoonish fascination with Eastern philosophy that never quite left. My mum has also always been a spiritual seeker in her own way, so I suppose the door was already open before I knew there was a room behind it. I don’t think we choose these things, really. I think the practice chooses us, and turns up right when we’re ready to receive it.
My own sitting practice began on an app — Insight Timer, five or ten minutes most mornings, just enough to prime myself before the day started asking things of me. It grew slowly and honestly, the way most sustainable habits do. Over time the sits lengthened, and a daily practice of twenty to thirty minutes became the norm rather than the exception. I’ve always been curious about the different schools, too — nearly every culture on earth has developed some tool for cultivating stillness, and I think there’s real value in sampling widely rather than assuming the first path you find is the only one.
About a decade of fairly disciplined practice later, I noticed something had shifted…
Two days until Love is Everywhere
Londoners; Tim and I will see you this Saturday for a very special edition of Love is Everywhere; the first Summertime dance, and of course, the first with my re:sonate co-pilot. It’s gonna be a family affair. Advance tickets are sold out so get down early.
Dance Schedule
7-8PM: Free beginner’s lesson in Jazz dance with world-leading choreographer Masumi Endo; just turn up! Arrive a few minutes early to secure your spot.
9.30PM: The Foot Notes perform an exclusive routine
DJ Schedule
7-10PM: Tina Edwards
10-12.30AM: Tim Garcia
12.30-2AM: Tina Edwards
A living legend on Bandcamp Selects
In celebration of his collaborative album with Your Brother’s Keeper—out now via Brownswood—Jazz titan Gary Bartz and I talk about the philosophy of listening versus hearing on this week’s radio show.
Much love
Tx