Training Revelations From The Blues Joint Vol.2

It's funny where you can sometimes draw out inspiration. There are just certain environments where you can put everything else behind you and creativity just starts coming at you at a sometimes uncontrollable speed. it can be drawn out of anywhere whether it be the coffee shop, on a plane, or on a vacation. I have a few scenarios that seem to get my wheels turning, but for some reason it is the dusty blues establishment that seems to get my wheels turning above all. As I have mentioned in my Revelations From The Blues Joint Vol.1, music has been a big part of my life. Although training is my profession, it seems the more I train the more I can relate my craft to the efforts of making memorable music. I was fortunate enough to attend a record release this past weekend and while I never thought I would be writing a volume 2, I was once again hit by a wave of thoughts, reflections, and ideas thanks to the blues joint. The place where the music is raw and your table is equipped with a device to catch the rain from the ceiling. But for some reason, it all starts to make sense.

Develop and Embrace Your Supporting Cast

If you have been to a record release, what you will often hear on the microphone aside from the music is a barrage of thank yous to a lot of indispensable efforts that occurred behind the scenes. People who believe in your vision and support your efforts from the moment a goal is put on paper to the point of completion. They are there to support you, educate you, and help you make the right decisions. Anything that you may need along your quest for greatness they are there for you. Without these people, your bottom line may have never been realized, or at least in the timely fashion you accomplish them. Your supporting cast is also a reflection of your own character. They are there because you have earned their support, they believe in your purpose and they want to be a part of the ride. Be mindful of these people because they truly are indispensable and as long as you are putting in the effort, they will continue to be there.

Rhythm and Blues

Rhythm is the foundation of symmetrical music and it is what keeps your head nodding and toe tapping when you are taking in an enjoyable music experience. Rhythm certainly has its place in the gym as well as developing a rhythm is often the term describing consistency in your physical efforts. I often look at movement as my own personal music and whether I am instructing it or practicing it, movement is often more visually pleasing and provides more kinetic reward when rhythmic movement is a priority in your programming. Training has always been my version of stepping on stage to showcase my craft and rhythm is my foundation. It is my gauge of what my audience is ready to handle. If they can keep the beat as the music of movement changes pace, I know that they are making progress. More importantly, if they are still toe tapping, head nodding, and enjoying what I bring to the stage I know that I am doing my job.

Style Is Everything

What I consider the greatest commonality between music and training is that they both have their genres. Whether you are manning the sound stage or the iron stage, you will be influenced by certain genres of your craft and they usually influence your decision making when you are showcasing it. While you may have your preferences in genre, keep in mind that it is what you do with them as a practitioner is what will determine whether you work your way to the main stages or remain by the phone starving for a gig. Finding your individual style of training is an ongoing pursuit that requires a lot of exploration, education, experimentation, and execution. It can be challenging to acquire, but developing your style allows you to draw from all genres. It makes your craft unique, it  creates your individual training allure and your ability to constantly fine tune it and showcase it is what will allow you to rise to the occasion time in and time out. As your identity evolves, so do the people that appreciate it. It is the evolution of both that will propel your success whether it be the gym or the stage.

Find Your Community Within Your Craft

Growing up around music I always appreciated the community that was associated with it. There were no shortages of ideas being passed around, music being shared, practices, performances, and spur the moment jamming that you would sometimes stumble upon. Training has brought me some very similar circumstances as there are no shortages of people that I enjoy learning from. Not to mention the colleagues and friends that I share this passion with whether it be bouncing ideas around in the gym, at a dinner table, or the workouts in the weightroom that bring out inspiration in a way that jamming in a garage would for any musician. These are the moments in the crazy game of training where I can say I learn on another level as well as realize how much fun I am actually having while doing it.

Band Practice

Another successful night in the blues joint I suppose. To end it I would have to say no matter who you are or what you do. Find your places of inspiration and take them in whatever or wherever they may be as there is no feeling like sitting back and figuring things out whether they are on a personal or professional level.

I have been meaning to get this post put together all week but the gym became my major focus of attention this past week. I am now writing this with the term community drilled in my head as we have lost two profound members of a community that I am beyond grateful for being a part of. I want to finish by dedicating this post to Dave and Donna McKeough as they had a major part not only in the music community, but the community of Cape Breton Island as a whole. I remember Dave and Donna as great friends, great parents, and Dave's ability to lay it down on the guitar like nobody else. You guys will not be forgotten.
 

Dave, Brian, Fred, Mark, Dad You Guys Have Taught Me A Lot Over The Years. More Than I Ever Would Have Realized

Move Improve,

Jeff