I recently had the opportunity to interview author and creativity coach Eric Maisel, Ph.D., about his new book, Ten Zen Seconds. Here he tells us how singers can use two of the the incantations (phrases, similar to affirmations, that do a particular kind of inner work) from his book in preparation for practice and performance.KP: I often tell the singers I teach that awareness of breathing is foundational to building a healthy, powerful, flexible voice. How might a busy singer, with limited time to prepare, incorporate Ten Zen Seconds techniques into a regular practice routine, which already includes stretches, breathing and vocal exercises, plus preparation of repertoire?
EM: The first step is always to go through the twelve incantations, slowly and mindfully, and find the one or two that feel most useful and resonant. It is very difficult, verging on impossible, to incorporate all twelve in a regular way into your life, but it isn’t hard at all to incorporate one, two, or even three.
For a singer—for all performers—incantation 6, "I embrace this moment," is a very important and powerful one, because many performers are, because of performance anxiety, actually "wanting to be elsewhere" and wishing they were elsewhere, and incantation 6 helps remind them to surrender to the fact that they are where that they are and that they might even experience the moment as joyful!—especially if they add on incantation 9, "I am open to joy," to remind themselves of that possibility.
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To read the complete interview focusing on Ten Zen Seconds for creative people with busy lives CLICK HERE.
To read an extended interview giving an thorough overview of Ten Zen Seconds CLICK HERE.
©2007 Kay Pere ~ Effusive Muse Publishing
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