So you think you can’t meditate?

Dec 11, 2019

You say your mind is too active. You get too tired. You can’t just sit there and do nothing. As well as other reasons to avoid doing it. Trust me, I’ve had the same excuses in the past.

I’m going to challenge you to give up the idea that you’re no good at meditating, and just do it.

Because guess what? 

First of all,

I’ve never heard of anyone being proficient at meditating without practice. 

Like learning your musical instrument (or any sport, art or skill), it takes time, daily effort and practice to be good at clearing your mind. Remember, you didn’t learn to sing like that in a day!

The key is to do it again and again. 

The second key is not to judge. Like a daily writing practice, some days will ‘flow’ more than others. This is normal and expected… and totally fine. Besides, the more you judge it, the more chatter there will be in your head. Focus on what your body feels like in that moment. Be curious about whether you feel uneasy, tired, elated or peaceful. Observe objectively what your mind wants to do. Accept all as it is, knowing that moment is unique, and that ‘this too shall pass’ and will give way to other moments just as fleeting. 

Remember, if you’re taking the time out to practice meditating, just like singing, it counts as your ‘drop in the bucket’ toward mastery. Period. Accept your best effort in your practice today, stay with it going forward, and count on it being easier in future.

We all know the benefits of meditation by now, with research-based evidence in neuroscience. We know we can ‘rewire’ our brains to serve us, our communities and our loved ones maximally. It is also tremendously useful for musical performance preparation as it reduces anxiety and promotes a healthy outlook and state.

If you want to level up your meditation ability in an inviting space with other singers just like you, you will have a chance to do so at our next workshop Sunday January 26th. As part of this ‘elevate your stage performance’ day, I will introduce you to original guided meditations for singers to find stillness and grounded power together. Registration for this event is now open! For more information and to sign up with the early bird special, see www.fitforthestage.com/workshops/.

Sick again? Medicinal Mushrooms for the Win…

Nov 9, 2019

As singers, we know how crucial it is that we stay healthy and functioning well for our shows and our well being. Western medicine is getting wise to the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, immune support among them.

If you tend to catch things easily, or have persistent infections, and you haven’t explored these gems, maybe it’s time!

Mushrooms have compounds that resemble a microbe and when our immune cells recognize this, they increase front-line activity, strengthening our immune systems over time.

Amazingly, certain mushrooms can support both physical and mental health, help manage stress, tame your allergies and promote overall wellness.

Let’s have a look at a couple of mushrooms commonly used for their health benefits. I bet you’ll be keen to give them a try after this, even if you were never sweet on them before.

1. Reishi

The most commonly used medicinal mushroom, reishi is used to support immune functioning. It also helps support the adrenal glands, so it’s a good one to use if you’re run down, stressed out or getting sick regularly. It’s also a fabulous mushroom for allergies and hay fever as it can reduce the histamine response to external stimuli.

2. Lion’s Mane

Best known for its neurological and mental health benefits, clinical research has shown Lion’s Mane’s efficacy for anxiety, depression and cognitive function. This is mushroom to consider for overall nervous system health! Yes please.

3. Maitake

Prized for its immune supportive properties, maitake mushrooms can be incorporated into your diet for overall immune health.

So how do you take them?

Mushrooms need to be heated for bioavailability, so making teas with them is a great way to start, using sliced or dried versions. Supplements in the form of capsules and extracts are also widely available. When looking for supplements, ensure they are organic, that the mushrooms have been heated, and that if buying a tincture, both water and alcohol are used; alcohol extracts important compounds.

If you want to try your hand at a nice tasting tea (really!), here is a recipe for Reishi Chai Tea below.

Reishi Chai Tea

In 1 quart of water add:

-2-3 slices of dried Reishi

-1/2 cinnamon stick

-5 allspice berries

-3 cardamom pods

-2 cloves

-1 peppercorn

-pinch of nutmeg

Turn heat on medium-high until the tea reaches a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain and add milk and/or sweetener of your choice. This can be chilled for an iced version.

However you choose to consume them, I hope you will benefit from the health boost you can achieve with medicinal mushrooms. Enjoy!

Shoutouts and News!

Oct 21, 2019

On this fine Monday, I wanted to send a wee shoutout to these wonderful singers who are thriving in the Fit for the Stage program. If you are on the fence about joining our next singers’ workshop this Sunday October 27th, read these! You won’t regret learning the tools to take your body and mind to the next level for the stage and life. Message me, or go to www.fitforthestage.com/workshops to save your spot, and get a special gift if you sign up today.