really enjoyed the video. meditation helps me so much in every aspect of my life (when i practice it routinely lol, easier said than done).

Nice one. Yeah, the consistency of it has a big impact. I did it here and there for a couple years, but every day takes it to the next level for sure. Kudos to you for keeping with it. Cheers!

Yeah some really good advice in there Vespers. I used to Meditate a lot years ago when I was very into practising Martial Arts, haven't done it properly in a while though. I don't watch a lot of TV but I don't think I could give up watching Kung Fu/Action Movies, I'm way too hooked on them lol. Your video has definitely motivated me to get back into some meditation again.

You seem like a cool guy man. You sound like you view the world a lot like the way I do.

Sweet. Yeah, a lot of martial arts involve meditation. I think it's great to train the mind and body at the same time. Hope you get back into it mate.

Cheers! Thanks for watching the vid.

I had to turn this off when you said to stay away from action movies and watch documentaries instead. C'mon man, I don't wanna listen to music made by a guy who won't watch action films.

I don't mean to be a dick, just putting this out there as a point of argument; Do you ever feel like having such a strict or well-defined world view limits your creativity? Like sometimes maybe you just gotta double drop some acid, watch Under Siege, Universal Soldier and Predator simultaneously while munching on a super size bag of Doritos, throw an egg beater in your brain and embrace the chaos.

I know that's not really what you were getting at, and I agree with your points on maintaining focus in the studio. But yeah, I dunno... rant over.

it's not a more strict world, you can still do all that crazy shit, but you'll get a lot more done if it's not everyday. which do you want more? then of course, it will be even more satisfying once it's not something that you're used to.. like how an acid trip can be a lot more powerful when you're not used to that state of mind. and if your mind is focused as well, the experience will be even more crazy because you can be a lot more aware and perceptive of it..
not that i really want a crazy Tv and doritos experience, though... i haven't given those up out of strictness but out of lack of interest. i'd rather do things that are interactive, creative, or social. it's not strictness it's a choice with what to do with your time. and one choice happens to lead to more productivity most of the time. wasn't that the point?

anyways here's my two cents - lay off the caffeine! i always go back and forth with this one, so i have tried to record my progress with and without it.. and honestly (surprisingly) i get a lot more done without the stimulant. caffeine can get your brain moving, but it's also very distracting and stresses the nervous system, encourages more ADD, and a hurry rather than a more thought out and intuitive process, and then you are always wondering if you should drink some more..
herb can be very distracting as well.. or very focusing..
it helps to know whether you're going to be in a "programming" state of mind or a "songwriting" state of mind as well.. mixing them up or mixing the wrong substance for the mood can be very unproductive

that being said, now i must go turn off the internet, stop drinking tea, and turn up the speakers....

Yeah man, well said.

I suppose I was just saying that in my opinion, limiting your choice of entertainment to try and get more focus in the studio is a little over the top, and that by following such strict guidelines may lead to you closing your mind to other options.

And I suppose it depends how you equate 'creativity' to 'productivity'. Personally, I think working for an hour and having one truly original idea is more valuable than slogging away for six hours and producing something that is ultimately uninspiring. I brought this point up because I find when I get into a good daily routine, I can be really productive and get a lot done, but often my best ideas come when my life is a bit more chaotic.

But yeah, eliminating distractions and knowing whether you are in a "programming" state of mind or a "songwriting" state of mind are all good points.

nice video Vespers.
Good up!

I certainly used to do that. Maybe minus the acid part But after a while I found it no longer served me. I felt like shit afterwards. Uninspired, low energy, polluted. That being said, I don't mean I never watch movies for entertainment, I just limit the degree to which I indulge in that and I'm cognizant of the effect on my ability to focus. Personally, I'm much happier with the results I'm getting now. If you find what you're doing makes you happy, then keep doing it. All the best.

Well said mate. Thanks for posting the info on caffeine. I haven't really done any "tests" per se, but I definitely echo your sentiments on it. It's def an addiction though. Weening myself off of it step by step Peace!

Cheers. Thanks for watching!

Yeah, I suppose it depends on what part of the musical process you're in. If you're jamming, then sure get all crazy. If you're mixing something down, which is a very technical analytical process, then perhaps lay off the acid

Great video. I definitely have been having trouble getting focused lately and enjoyed the info. I live in a studio with my gf and our spot is all one room (kitchen, bed, my desk/studio, living room) so it can be hard to deter distractions. I think I need a big ass sign that says "Studio time!!"

Msg is just "salt" and gluten....Which is found in breads and other things. It doesn't cut your taste buds or damage you in any other way than that of salts or bread. Thats all just blah blah bs made by that american chinese sickness thing.....Lol, got distracted already