Let it Go

Week 5
11/10/11

Let it Go...
   I witnessed a group of 17 year olds arguing with a man in his mid 30's in the park the other day.  It turns out, the older man was running down the street when the kids made a snide comment, insulted, and laughed.  The man, making sure that these kids knew that he was not one to be pushed around, responded back with some not so nice words. This escalated into a decision that it was time to fight, so that once and for all, they could decide 2 things. 1. Who was right. and 2. Who was stronger.
  So lets think about these 2 things for a moment.  To be right, in my opinion (here comes the irony), can be a very subjective thing, depending upon which side is making the judgement. Once someone has it in their head that they are in fact right, it takes a lot more than a 5 minute argument to convince them to change their mind.  The realization that they are completely rigid occurs and we feel frustrated, raise our voice, and quickly resort to number 2.  If I can't convince you mentally, then I will at least show you who is superior physically (tougher, stronger, more bad ass, not to be f*$%ed with, etc.)  In the so called heat of the moment, it is tough to see the event outside of ourselves, to look upon the issue from another perspective...a vantage point away from our irritated mind. Now, in this particular event, though it came close to it, the fighting did not occur.  The police arrived before it could escalate and both sides had to go on their separate ways carrying their anger, frustration, disappointment all the way home and into that night.
  How much do I value the time and energy that I have in my given hours, days, months, and years on this earth?  Do I feel you are worth giving myself, my time, and my energy to?  Is my interaction with you going to enhance my life...my short ,short life?  Could I be using this time that I'm spending on you in a more gratifying and beneficial way?  Could I make our encounter better by the tone in my voice, the words that I choose, and the mannerisms I use? 
  Can I ask the questions and answer them in the split second after the first harsh words, faces, punches are thrown?  I can certainly try...

Let it go...move on...don't waste life in anger.  Convert this anger into positive energy and use it to create good.  This is what I will be working on. I invite you...

Peace Always,

Adam

That's Very Interesting...

Week 4

9/19/11

That's Very Interesting...

 Listening...paying attention...
  My wife and I recently took a short trip to old city Philadelphia and decided to walk around the buildings where our country was decidedly made.  One of our stops was the constitution center where you discover the greatness and flexibility of our constitution...that if there are enough people wanting a certain change that it can be willed into action.  That though there are things now that "are the way they are", tomorrow they do not necessarily have to be.  Just as slavery was abolished and women gained the right to vote, we can modify what was once common place and update it to our new ways of thinking. 

 But, in order for this process to begin, we have to listen.  The willingness to hear anothers point of view must be there. To honestly try to step in anothers shoes while listening to their ideas. This practice can be broken down into even the smallest of conversations.  Whether it is someone telling us about their past, what they did or did not like about their waiter, how dreadfully long their bus trip was, or simply why it is they love to watch any movie or show having to do with vampires.  When I am heard and truly listened to, I feel appreciated, cared for, and find a sense of relevance in this world.  Does it do the same for you?  Is it possible that it does the same for others?

  When I'm being introduced to someone, my focus seems to drift into my own thoughts.  For instance, while you're telling me your name, I'm focusing on telling you my name. I'm thinking about what we'll talk about, how long we'll talk, what time it is...and any other aimless thought that pops up.  As soon as I hear your name, I instantly forget it.  While you're explaining your day, I'm thinking about how I'll respond or tell you about an even crazier thing that happened to me.  My goal for this week, is to listen.  I plan on listening intently to what you're saying before I start formulating my response.

  The world needs more listening, more understanding, more paying attention. I'm all ears...

I figured there was no better place and no better people to listen to than at the signing of the constitution with these fine gentlemen.  I must start somewhere.  I also decided to join the culture and have my hair in the popular colonial fashion (hope it made them feel a little more comfortable giving me their insights)

Peace Always,

Adam

I'll never be late again!

Week 3 
8/15/11     

I'll Never Be Late Again!

  My absolute, absolute, absolute biggest issue (outside of being a monetarily challenged musician) is that I am perpetually, habitually, and helplessly late to pretty much any engagement that requires me to be at a specific place at a specific time.  It's as though you will tell me 7 o'clock and my internal clock hears "7:15" or "anywhere within the hour will do".  To those of you who are close to me or have simply scheduled some form of meeting with me at any point, I'm sure you are all having a good laugh accompanied by a long sigh at my unintentional, yet admittedly maddening condition.  Let me first assure you that it is indeed unintentional...and that this week, I am undertaking quite possibly the most difficult practice for me to do.  I gave up meat about 8 years ago, and I honestly feel that this will be 10 times harder!  Still, this blog has boosted my confidence.  Even with only 2 weeks in, I have been very consistent with the previous week's practices and feel that it is time to step it up.

    My goal starting this week is to never be late again!!!

  Pretty bold words, I know.  I also know that with any daunting or great task we have ahead of us, baby steps are in order.  So for this first week, I'm planning on assessing how long it actually takes, on average, for me to get where I typically go. I'm going to take that average and add 5 minutes to it.  This will give me at least a starting point with which I can adjust later if needed. The next task requires me to apply the "no excuses" rule...tough love on myself if you will.  This means that if I haven't brushed my hair, or eaten my breakfast, or done one more mix of a song before I leave (probably one of the most common reasons for my lateness)....tough shit!  I need to drop what I am doing and get the hell out the door! No excuses, no justifications, and no "it's ok, you'll get there on time...next time". NOPE!

  So how does this apply to "Be The Change"?  Of course this is not a moral change in my opinion.  I don't feel as though I am a bad person because of my lateness, nor do I consider anyone who happens to be late for me to be so.  It is about respect.  Actions will always speak louder, and so I want people to know how much I value their lives and their time.  I understand how packed our days become, and that one person can hold up and even postpone plans and accomplishments.  My apologies if I have been the cause of stress for anyone out there...I'm working on it.

Peace Always,
Adam Web

P.S. Any tips or suggestions that have helped you be on time...I'm all ears!

One Deep Breath

Week 2 - 8/8/11

    We as humans can go without food for weeks, without water for a few days, but we can only go with out breathing for a matter of minutes.  Breathing is something that we think of as primarily involuntary and that naturally occurs throughout our day.  But, it can also be intentionally used as a balancing practice to recenter ourselves. 

    While sitting at my computer working on the forthcoming album, I've had plenty of stressful moments.  This stress usually manifests itself physically in my right shoulder blade (it seems to thoroughly enjoy this area!)  The pain I feel is an indication that something is out of balance with my body and that it will continue to hurt until something is done to change it. Now, this is not a profound observation, just a simple equation that helps me get to the root of the issue.  It is during this pain that I also notice I am not breathing consistently and sometimes I find myself completely holding my breath.  Once I start to focus on my breathing, taking long deep breaths, I notice my fatigue begins to lift and my awareness begins to expand!

    My goal for this week's practice is to take at least one deep and expanded breath per waking hour.  To fully focus on this breath and give it my full attention starting in my belly, up through my diaphragm, and releasing it completely.  For the daring souls, you might try multiple deep breaths per hour!

    A reminder that these practices can be continuous, and don't need to end with the week.  My purpose with this is to create the "me" I envision.  Creating a reality out of concepts...

Peace Always,

Adam

Be The Change

Good Beginnings Friends!

   In light of the new website and new album, I've decided to add a new direction to this blog.  The idea of "Be The Change" comes from the words of Ghandi who stated "be the change you wish to see in the world".  Be what you want your world to become. It all begins with one person, one deed, one act of kindness...one thought which can influence one other person who might influence others.  Words fall short, especially if the words or advice are not practiced by the preacher in question.
   That being said, I wish to practice one thing per week in this blog that I would like to see in this world.  I welcome any suggestions for a weekly idea to practice, and hope that you might join me in this quest. Please either leave comment on this blog or email me directly at aweb@adamwebmusic.com to let me know your ideas. 

   WEEK 1 -  8/1/11 
    Say "Good Morning, Hello, How Are You"
The plan is to say to anyone that might meet your eye a friendly "good morning, hello, or how are you". Though this is a very simple task, it goes a long way towards a feeling of community amongst your fellow humans.  You might even go as far as to offer a smile when you're saying it :).  Well, good luck this week! Please check back next week for another practice and again please feel free to leave comments and ideas!

Peace Always,
Adam

And I'm Up...

Hey Friends!

Sorry for the extended delay in chatting. I've just been doing a lot of hibernating and dreaming over the last few months. But, now as winter is wheezing it's last few gasps, I'm beginning to open my eyes, stretch my spirit, and dream while awake.

A few things have become apparent to me as the sleep gets flicked away from my squinting eyes...

1. I like me. I appreciate where I've been, the mistakes I've made, and the people I've upset. The reason I can appreciate this, is that I'm learning and continuing to grow and improve who I am and how I act. "Who I am" is only "who I am" at this moment and I will be a different "Adam" tomorrow. I'll show similarities of course, but I will be one day smarter, one day more understanding, one day more open to the possibilities of what one more day can bring. I am also confident, that it is "possible" that I am completely wrong...and that I am completely right...

2. I have no answers. I have plenty of ideas, notions, and questions. But, I have no answers. I have searching, inquiries, and philosophies, but still no answers. I enjoy life because of this. I'm blind to absolute "truths" because truth is relative to the individual that is pondering it. I don't know. I have some clues, but I don't have answers...What do you think?

3. I have a lot of work to do. But, not in the typical school work dreading drone kind of way. More in the inspired change the world kind of way. First plan of action is me. I want to work on me, for though I like "me" and have a deep appreciation for my life and existence, I've got a whole lot of work to do. No need for a list of things here, just a knowledge that I'm going to strive for greatness. Not perfection, just greatness. What do you think?

It hasn't been all sleeping these past few months. I've been doing a bit of touring, a bit of recording, and a bit of writing and working on finding a balance. The "Home Sweet Home Coast to Coast Tour" was such an amazing time and that is a tribute to the amazing musicians, the great venues and cities, and most importantly to "you" the fans. I always say that your support and enthusiasm afford us the ability to do what we love and cannot thank you enough! There will be more video's to follow, but here is a few pictures from our time on the road.

Thank You All and Peace Always,

Adam

Christmas Resolution

Hey Friends!




Happy snow flakes and Christmas cheer! So I'm an avid Christmas fan for those not in the know. I love it all, the tree, the lights, the songs, etc. But, the most exciting part of it all is the feeling of good will and joining of family and friends one time during the year. If only for a few days, we let go of our aspirations, worries, and anger to replace them with feelings of ease, hope, and love. You know, I once hoped that we might extend this sentiment throughout the rest of the year, but I've been feeling as though the potency is created during this time because of the lack of it thoughout the other months. The yin to the latter's yang. I can't control the rest of the world, so maybe I'll just change myself. I'm going to work this year on treating people with more kindness and patience. 'Tis my Christmas resolution.




My Christmas tree!

Also, wanted to take the time out to thank those of you who came out to the live recording show. It was a great success and the recordings sound great. Your physical albums will be done soon and mailed out asap! The digital album "Live - Without Worry" will be available for sale on Dec. 23rd, 2010. Those of you on the mailing list will also be receiving a free download of the first track "You Are Everything", my holiday gift to you!! Those of you not on the mailing list, please sign up soon so you to can receive your download before Christmas!

Peace Always and Merry Christmas!

Adam Claus