Mother nature.

She nurtures our bodies and spirits, but for me, she also inspires me in my songwriting. Whenever I can, I take a quick trip to the forest nearby for a walk, even though I'm based in the city. I can feel the harmony of nature when I'm there, with the rustling of the leaves and the movements of the unseen animals. It seems like the wind is the best percussionist ever; whatever it touches, there is a beautiful sound. The conductor is invisible, yet there is a harmony and balance in the music even though they have never “practiced.” There is a fresh sound in every moment, whispering a hidden tale of the woods.

Sometimes there is a disruption. A bird flies away from some disturbances and makes waves in the air. The leaves answer back by shaking gently. The trees agree. Nothing should interfere with the balance of the woods, so let's go back to the rhythm. Breathing. Slowly and gently. One breath at a time.

I have moments where I catch myself standing still in the middle of everything. And I listen. Then an unseen power lifts me up and fills me with great joy and contentment. Time stands still right there. I almost want to stop breathing so that I could hold on to the moment. But I know I can’t. Everything flows, and I have to allow it to be so. I get ideas for words and the beginnings of some lyrics. Now and then I want to bring my guitar along, but I know it wouldn't be appropriate. I would also feel embarrassed if a stranger walks by and hears what I play.

At other times, I feel overwhelmed by sadness, and a walk in the forest is a remedy for the soul. My heart carries the pain, and the wound is raw. I don’t hear the rhythm as I’m used to. But then I know it’s not because it’s gone. It’s still there. I'm so consumed by my healing that I can't hear it. And when I wake up and come back to the present moment, it feels like the forest is smiling and whispering:

"Yes, she’s awakening. All is good now."

However, even when I’m at home and I imagine myself in the forest, I still get inspirations for my songs. The deep peace I experience when I'm in the woods is also within me, and I can access it whenever I desire. And if Mother Nature has taught me one thing that I use in the creative process and in life, it is this:

“Let go of the control and let it flow.”

Whenever I feel blocked, it's usually because I forget to go with the flow. As opposed to becoming discouraged, I understand it's about concentrating on something else that works and permitting myself to be in the "streaming" state once more. And if it still doesn’t work, then I have to let it go. Stop fighting against the current stream of the creative power that I’m a part of. Come back to the process again when it feels right.

Ultimately, being an artist for me is about mastering the art of allowing. And no one can teach this better than Mother Nature herself.