Inspiration makes a difference to the Singer
Inspiration makes a difference in the singer’s life. We, as singers and artists, have the need in our creative lives to experience the feeling of inspiration at different moments.
Beyond a feeling, inspiration does the following:
• Takes us to a new spiritual level, giving us a new perspective of our present and future.
• Inspiration gives us the vision to understand how to continue on our path, open our hearts to
new possibilities and opportunities.
• Inspiration gives us courage, passion, and motivation.
The word inspiration means “to be in spirit”. When we are inspired, the magic is around us, we can feel the meaning of our singing, we can connect with our songs in a different way, and we can feel the ‘Joy of Singing’.
With this feeling, you realize that singing and being an artist has a bigger purpose; a mission: You can inspire your audience and light the way for other artists. Working from a place of inspiration makes the way easier, enabling you to face your daily routine.
When you feel inspired, nothing is impossible for you and you realize that singing is your contribution to the world.
Inspiration is a state of mind, there is no formula to be inspired. Rather, you have to train yourself to be “there“ and listen to your muse.
You have to recognize that this training is an inner process. Sometimes you find inspiration and sometimes inspiration finds you while remembering a great song, reading poetry, watching inspirational music videos, taking a walk, or dancing in front of the mirror.
Living a life of inspiration is meaningful and worth it because it is how we are connected with new ideas and sources to begin new artistic projects and voyages.
Without inspiration, the journey for the Singer/artist simply will not exist.
-Debora Lebendiker-
SELF ESTEEM AND HOPE FOR CHANGE
“I’m scared”, I won’t be able to”… I could never stand up there”… “I’ll freeze, I just know it”… “my voice won’t come out”… I won’t remember the words”… “How did it go again?” “And I worked so hard to memorize it…”
These are just some of the myriad thoughts we either share with others or keep to ourselves, thoughts we can so easily identify with when we have to stand up and perform in public, in an auditorium full of professionals, teachers, colleagues, peers, students or just the general public. Standing on a stage facing the audience with our voice probably amplified with a microphone, or seated at a conference table, or being interviewed, perhaps by the media, or simply taking an oral exam at school or University.
When we endow what is outside us, the “other”, with the personality of an unrelentingly strict examiner, a merciless critic or harsh censor who demands nothing but the best from us, a perfect performance, we are creating a bogeyman, a monster which is anything but human.
In the social sphere, where we relate to others and according to just who these others are, we are constantly aware that our privacy and our whole being are at risk, a feeling which can be very intense at times or manageable at others. This painful experience which we find so intimidating, invaded by a sense of anguish and panic which brings us out in a sweat, trembling, breathing shallow and heart racing has very little to do with what is really out there. It is all part of our imagination.
Self-esteem and how to build it
It is our own subjective perception of ourselves, hence, our imagination, which endows external reality with personalized emotional significance. This self-perception is the result of the way we build our identity throughout the different stages in our lives. It is self-esteem.
Paradoxically, it would seem that the result of this unavoidable relationship with the real external world which shapes us as people at some point becomes the reason for all our ills and woes, although we have no idea why this should be. Our self-esteem is a thermometer which fails to take our temperature correctly and thus confuses us, prompting us to make the wrong diagnosis of what ails us, and what is worse, of what is happening to us in that external reality where we live. The way in which we have absorbed our subjective valuation of ourselves into our psyche is how we see ourselves in relation to others. This is the psychological function of self-esteem, and it evolves and develops throughout our lives. Our early primary relationships with our parents and family, or those who bring us up, lay the foundations for a structure subsequently shaped by the stimuli of our first experiences of socialization at school, the trials and tribulations of adolescence and our integration into the adult world of friendship, love, work and vocation. Biological maturity together with a greater or lesser degree of psychological independence can result in the best possible expression of our self-esteem, which is to say, the right level of clarity about our possibilities and limitations. Otherwise we fall headlong into a precarious existence governed by delusions.
Self-esteem and anxiety
The extent to which our view of our innate value is appropriate and fair will determine our view of the future we want for ourselves, in whatever aspect of life this may be. Self-esteem founded on a well-adjusted assignation of values means that our experience of anxiety works in our favor, becoming the driver in our ambition to reach our goal and helping us to plan and design the right method to get there.
It is important to realize that the way in which we see ourselves is triggered by the extent to which the real situation we are living evokes this and gives it meaning.
If our concept of identity is mainly tied to low self-esteem, anybody who stands in judgment before us, whether teacher, colleague or audience, will be exalted and empowered inasmuch as they threaten our well-being. The experience of vulnerability is permeated by the continuous loop of anxiety-anguish-panic, and most likely, we will be overtaken by inhibition: mental block, postural paralysis, dry mouth, a stutter or inability to speak, in short, a thousand ways of saying “I’m scared-get me out of here”. This is like a dwarf (us) taking on a giant (others).
If we identify with an inflated sense of self-esteem, our experience of omnipotence will be our number one ally. Although it drives us to act, at times to be rash, it also makes it much harder for us to be humble enough to learn and strengthen the qualities we need to give a truly successful performance. The contest here is between a paper giant (us) and dwarves who are not in reality so small (others).
At one extreme or the other, anxiety as a state in which to tackle the situation facing us means activating conscious and unconscious mechanisms to achieve the rational and total control of all the variables in play, whether real or imaginary, with the illusion of removing all elements of uncertainty from the equation. This involves a huge emotional effort which brings us irrevocably up against the fateful futility of any attempt in this direction.
Whether we stand in the shoes of the dwarf or the giant, we are still in the clutches of what we assume to be other people’s high expectations of us, a perfect performance. As dwarves, we are probably absolutely convinced that we will fail. As giants, our distorted self-image has us believe that we are truly outstanding, an illusion which will sooner or later falter, plunging us into frustration and a deep sense of unfairness.
The ever-changing and constant pressure in our lives of this benchmark called self-esteem means it is really hard to discriminate objectively between giftedness, talent and potential on the one hand and shortcomings which may be mitigated or not, on the other.
It is from this distorted perspective that we deposit in the arbitrary success or failure of our activity or desires our integral value as people. Thus, a successful, mediocre or bad performance will define how we evaluate ourselves: “I’m a total failure. I’m amazing.”For instance, if we hit a block in my academic, professional and even personal career, whether as singer or actor, or parent or partner, this is taken to mean that “I’m no good at anything (for ever). And if we do well, this means “I’m a genius (for ever)”.
Self-esteem and tools for change
Although everything described so far could be tinted with a pathological hue and thus be profoundly discouraging for the reader, it is key to point out that we always have the possibility to bring about change and exit our current state. We always have the opportunity to enjoy our lives so much more. This is why it is important to emphasize that although the unit we use to measure our value called Self-esteem is the result of our history of relationships, this does not mean we cannot change it. Clearly, the past cannot be changed, but the present can and thus the future. But this can only happen if we take steps to understand ourselves and accept ourselves for what we are so that we can change. We need to find the best tools available to add to our arsenal of resources so that we are better armed to tackle the challenges that face us.
When we talk of resources, we mean the ability to transform the following into tools we can put to good practical use:
A persistent and committed psychological approach (reflection, introspection, psychotherapy) aimed at unfolding and broadening our potential whether for being creative, for love or for solidarity, in addition to discovering untapped talents.
- The willingness to actively explore ourselves beyond the material and emotional boundaries of the known, often the sum of stereotype and prejudice and hence discouraging. As ceaseless investigators, any information whether circumstantial or relevant should alert us to be receptive.
- The systematic and regular incorporation of formal knowledge, rigorous discipline and training in the activity or profession we seek to master.
Mastery is taken to be a synonym of solvency, and thus a state of greater tranquility arising from emotional receptiveness and self-esteem when it comes to development and the challenges of dealing with the unexpected. This also means mindfully living in the present and enjoying what it is that we do. Mastery means the clear certainty that our whole being is not about to founder just because the sea is a little choppy. It is about accepting that these are the rules of the game… of life. Finally, it is also about relearning to see ourselves and thus love and tolerate ourselves. This is a crucially important psychological instance which empowers us naturally to feel hopeful of achieving change and taking ownership of what we historically have always felt to be unattainable.
Margarita Fabello
Master in Psychology
Your footprint
Your footprint will be as big as you want to write your artistic journey, endless as you want to transcend with your music.
You draw it, you paint it with the intensity of your light.
In the midst of the uncertain, you must walk your destiny, facing every minute of your fears. Sometimes without signals, but with the clarity of your inner call, following your internal fire that needs to awaken your artistic desire.
These are the traces as a singer / artist that you will leave along the way, on this earth and in the cosmos. From this sacred stage, you will seal your footprint. Step firmly on each step as a tireless warrior. Trust in your vision, with hope and with the dignity that each millimeter of this life belongs to you.
Your footprint: your seed. 
Your footprint: your songs.
Your footprint: your light.
Your footprint: your Voice.
Be patient, impatient.
To be patient, impatient is a subtle line that you have to balance in your daily artist life.
Being too patient waiting until things will happen and not worrying about goals or deadlines, can take you to miss opportunities and procrastinate, getting lazy is a habit that takes away your power as an artist.
We don’t want this scenario.
Being too impatient can take you to live a stressful life full of anxiety and frustration, without focusing on your vocal training, on being creative and just looking for immediate results.
we don’t want this scenario either.
So the idea is to be both Patient and Impatient: To feel a sense of urgency in your artistic life that will push your desires forward to achieve your goals and at the same time to have a sense of inner peace, a state of calm that trust your vision, your purpose as a singer and keeps alive the process of being better every day. Be proactive, flow with your music, with your singing and enjoy your artist path.
Debora Lebendiker
Sometimes it is important to look back
They say don’t look back , just let go.
But sometimes it is necessary to look back and see how much you have achieved so far,
To understand the sense of process and progress you did, from where you started, where you are and where you are going.
To look back without a feeling of “I could do it different” or “I shouldn’t do this “, but accepting the script we have written so far with an objective perspective about our reality to continue growing.
We overcame so many obstacles and despite many circumstances we became stronger, we became warriors.
We become the observer of our own path. Looking back to the past will require an absence of judgement or regrets because is a fact that we cannot illuminate the past with the light of the present, this is unfair for everyone: We made our best in that moment.
It may be as an artist, things didn’t go the way you planned but you didn’t give up, you are still in the journey and this means everything.
We are free to reinvent ourselves so many times as we decide, but first we have to look back to learn, to understand what we have to improve or to change. It’s the time to remember, not to be afraid of our memories but to confront our limitations with faith, passion and conviction.
Only then, when we can accept and reconcile with our past without being attached, will be the moment to let go and continue writing our next chapter.
Keep alive your Desire to be a Singer
The “Desire” to be a Singer : Keep the magnificence of this force in your life.
This is the Magic that moves mountains, that will transcend any obstacle.
This is your Power to confront any circumstance you face in your life.
When you have desire to live, you will wake up in the morning with a positive attitude and you will do whatever it takes to make things happened.
Without this desire there is no Journey. It’s your flame to continue .
The desire to be better every day, to continue with your music, to train yourself, your voice , to work out, etc.
Desire to create, to explore, to never loose curiosity, to embrace life in every sense.
This feeling is within you, it’s not from outside, nobody can give it to you or transfer this desire, It’s not based on results but on an inner call that tells: “I want to be an Artist”.
Remember that each day you make music or you keep singing, takes you closer to your goal. Being a singer is a continuous process of self discovery and evolution.
When you loose your desire, you loose your Purpose, your goal, your Why.
But desire alone is not enough, desire needs Action. Only wishing something doesn’t mean it will happen.
You have to take actions and you have to analyze first how you will achieve your Goal.
You have to understand that being a singer/Artist is a choice to connect to a bigger mission: to contribute with your singing to the world and also it’s a way of life that needs courage and decision.
Tools :
1- Describe which are your desires and goals as a singer.
2- Which are the necessary steps you have to take to make your desire a true reality.
3- Have a feeling of absolute certainty and keep these positive thoughts about your goals. Remember sometimes you cannot see yet the results, but keeping the motivation will help to continue in your artistic journey.
4- Use tools as meditation, yoga, spiritual work to connect to your true self and inner voice.
5- Wake up in the morning with a feeling of gratitude, this will help you to create a feeling of fulfillment in your life.
6- Write a ”To Do List”. Write down all of the tasks that you need to complete with the most important tasks at the top of the list, and the least important tasks at the bottom.
7- Visualize your desire and have this mental image in your mind.
7- Do One action every day.
8- Be patience with yourself.
9- Feel the privilege of being a Singer / Artist and work everyday to become the artist you dream to be.
Embrace your inner child
Your inner child is always there for you.
Just feel the breeze of this love.
Sing , Dance, be free, Bring this energy to this present moment and play in the infinite.
Embrace your inner child, This is your pure and genuine essence.
Allow your inner child to be part of your singing and creativity life
Healing is happening right now
- Listen to your body
- Let go of your negative thoughts
- Decide to live a healthy life: Eat well, sleep at least 7 hours a day
- Remember that every problem we face in our body is a reflection of our mind, soul and heart
- Surround yourself with positive people.
- Make the decisions you have to make to move on with your music
- Execute your plans
- Feel that singing is a way to heal yourself and connect with your joy
– Debora Lebendiker-
What I do is me — for that I came ( poetry)
By Ray Bradbury, for Gerard Manley Hopkins
What I do is me—for that I came.
What I do is me!
For that I came into the world!
So said Gerard:
So said that gentle Manley Hopkins.
In his poetry and prose he saw the Fates that chose
Him in genetics, then set him free to find his way
Among the sly electric printings in his blood.
God thumbprints thee! he said.
Within your hour of birth
He touches hand to brow, He whorls and softly stamps
The ridges and the symbols of His soul above your eyes!
But in that selfsame hour, full born and shouting
Shocked pronouncements of one’s birth,
In mirrored gaze of midwife, mother, doctor
See that Thumbprint fade and fall away in flesh
So, lost, erased, you seek a lifetime’s days for it
And dig deep to find the sweet instructions there
Put by when God first circuited and printed thee to life:
“Go hence! do this! do that! do yet another thing!
This self is yours. Be it!
And what is that?! you cry at hearthing breast,
Is there no rest? No, only journeying to be yourself.
And even as the birthmark vanishes, in seashell ear
Now fading to a sigh, His last words send you into the world:
“Not mother, father, grandfather are you.
Be not another. Be the self I signed you in your blood.
I swarm your flesh with you. Seek that.
And, finding, be what no one else can be.
I leave you gifts of Fate most secret; find no other’s Fate,
For if you do, no grave is deep enough for your despair
No country far enough to hide your loss.
I circumnavigate each cell in you
Your merest molecule is right and true.
Look there for destinies indelible and fine
And rare.
Ten thousand futures share your blood each instant;
Each drop of blood a cloned electric twin of you.
In merest wound on hand read replicas of what I planned and knew
Before your birth, then hid it in your heart.
No part of you that does not snug and hold and hide
The self that you will be if faith abide.
What you do is thee. For that I gave you birth.
Be that. So be the only you that’s truly you on Earth.
What we do is us. Because of you. For that we came.
Having a valuable gaze of yourself makes the difference.
Having a valuable gaze about yourself, means accepting who you are as an artist and trying to be each day better
Why? Because if you don’t do it who will first?Once you understand that no matter which talent you have, the best gift you can give to yourself is to believe that you can achieve anything you commit to.
Sometimes it’s not only about your talent but about your confidence, about believing in yourself as an artist and doing all the efforts to continue growing and evolving, it’s about being in a state of love and wonder with your project. It’s about knowing that you are in a path to be better.
“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but it’s own wings.”
Each artist is an ocean with his own wins, his own colors, his own waves. Always believe in your “wings “, in your creative process, in your intuition. You art is you. Your songs represents you.
TOOLS:
-Don’t compare yourself to others. As human beings we have our own process and we run different races in life.
-Don’t idealize other people’s life, sometimes what it seems in others is not the reality.
-Surround with people that believe in you and want to raise you and see you succeed.
-Debora Lebendiker-