The Problem with the Comfort Zone

Walter WellbornLeave a comment on The Problem with the Comfort Zone

Are you in your comfort zone? Comfort zones can provide a safe harbor in times of stormy weather. I know when I have struggled through a difficult project and finally wrap it up I often seek refuge in my comfort zone, doing things that I can normally do blindfolded, just to settle my brain before I start something new. The problem with comfort zones is that is it very difficult to leave them once you are nestled in. This could be anything ranging from working regular hours, writing music only for a specific instrument or voice. It can even mean doing paperwork to catch up. But sometimes, when you see that next major project in front of you and knowing you are going to have to gear back up, you just want to embrace that warm blanket of working inside a box rather than take on the new challenge.

I also have this problem when I hit a dry spell of creativity. You know what I am talking about. Those long spells where nothing you are working on seems to be fruitful. Whatever you are working on leaves a bad taste in your mouth and you just want to rip everything up you have been working on and throw it in the trash. This has been going on for as long as people have been involved in creative projects. How do you break the spell?

Well, the first thing that you have to ask is this: “Am I being true to the source of my inspiration?” I know from a personal perspective that I have to spend a lot of time in prayer trying to understand why I am not in sync with my Heavenly Father. Usually, my heart and mind are just not focused on where he is trying to lead me. I find that I am trying to force a direction rather than allowing God to lead me where he wants me to go. I want to work on this and the He wants me to work on that. That’s called being stubborn and I have it down to an art form.

I find it amazing that when I realize what is going on and I allow myself to refocus and seek God’s guidance that the dam breaks loose and once again the creative process overwhelms me and the music starts pouring out. As least for me, my inspiration has to lead. The more I try to force myself down a path, the harder the work becomes and the quality drops tremendously. It is such a relief when I put my own desires aside and get back in sync with what God is needing me to do.

You have to be true to what’s important to you and always remember that inspiration generally doesn’t thrive in a narcissistic environment. If you are working out of sync, it’s like trying to write a poem about love without ever experiencing love. How can you embrace something you have never felt?

Remember, your strength comes from your inspiration and to feel and use that strength you really have to step outside your comfort zone. Resting on your laurels will never get the job done and to face the battles outside of your comfort zone you have to embrace the strength of your inspiration. It is the way God intended it.

What’s Your Poison?

Walter WellbornLeave a comment on What’s Your Poison?

I am a keyboardist by nature and training. That’s probably why I didn’t play in the band in high school. I had the opportunity to play in the jazz band at one point but my dance card was just too full to allow me any time to participate. I also play the guitar, but I am self-taught. The problem with teaching yourself to play an instrument is that you miss a lot of theory and technique and eventually those holes in your education get spotlighted. I’m sure you know where I ‘m going from. You’re sitting there jamming away and someone says, “That’s a really great riff but why don’t we diminish that opening chord and let’s transpose a half step up but don’t use the Capo because it makes your instrument sound to tinny.” Say what? Give me my keyboard and this isn’t a problem but I really have to think my through it on the guitar.

I’ve had a Yamaha 12 string for over 30 years and, unfortunately, it’s on its last legs. They say a photographer can’t blame his camera for bad pictures and musicians can’t blame their instruments for bad music but the truth is, cameras wear out and so do musical instruments. There comes a point where putting money into them is strictly from an emotional standpoint and not really a logical decision. What are you going to do? I love my 12 string but the action is bad, the neck is warped and I can’t keep the think tuned. Even when I can get it to tune, it is only tuned to certain keys which is ok as long as I only play in those keys. Still, I wrote a lot of music on that guitar. I cried and laughed over it. I know where every scratch came from. There are memories embedded in the grain of the body.

I learned to play guitar on an Epiphone classical guitar with nylon strings. The first folk ballads I wrote were on that guitar and I named him Andrew.  I gave Andrew to a close friend when I left for college.   She wanted to learn to play the guitar. She was already and accomplished pianist and violinist, which put her a step ahead of me. I really hope she got as much out of him as I did. I’ve tried to name my 12 string over the years but just couldn’t find anything that fit. My father gave it to me. I probably won’t get rid of it but it is surely ready to retire.

Now I need to find a new guitar. I am hoping it is the last acoustic guitar I ever have to buy. I hope it is one that I can laugh and cry over. I pray that it will allow me to expand my song writing and embrace the guitar side of me once again. I’ll let you know how that goes.

Every musician I know has a personal relationship with their instrument. Tell me about yours.