Yesterday, as I was going to bed, I found myself scrolling through Instagram feeling like I accomplished absolutely nothing for the day. It wasn't a terrible day, it just didn't go as planned so obviously I tried to fill it by wasting time on social media. These are the kind of mind games we play don't we? When it feels like we haven't done enough we will do anything to distract ourselves or numb out... or is that just me? After realizing I was distracted, I stopped for a minute and did 3 things that changed my perspective and my day. I think they will help you too. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

We all find our identity in something, don't we? But what happens when all of the sudden what defines us is gone? In the past few weeks, as COVID-19 takes its toll on the US many of us are waking up to new ways of living. Teachers can't get into their classrooms. Restaurants are closed. And artists everywhere are forced to play bedroom concerts to keep their chops up and audience engaged. What are we supposed to do when our identity, that thing that defines us, is stripped away? Well that's what we are going to talk about this week on The Silent Creative Podcast. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

I was telling someone this week that the last time I was truly bored had to be back when I was ten years old. That all changed this week after spending a few days social distancing ourselves from our friends and family. Yesterday I found myself aimlessly walking around the house just looking for something to pass the time. The boredom was killing me! In a strike of genius I asked my daughter if should would like to write a song with me. She agreed (because she was bored too) and we had a blast writing a song and documenting it. As I thought about it I realized that being board was the catalyst to new doors of opportunity. That's what this week's episode is all about. I hope you enjoy! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

What a time to be alive, right? We are experiencing something that we have never seen or had to deal with before. It changes day to day and the unknown is causing a lot of fear and anxiety. Even I had to take a few minutes yesterday and calm my thinking cause I found myself on the brink of a panic attack. It's crazy. 

When I find myself in times of uncertainty that cause fear to set in I have to remind myself to stop and breath. I say it a lot on this podcast, but I'm going to double down on it this week. Let's take a few minutes to calm our thinking! You are an artist and your voice is needed in this world. Let's create some art in this crazy time! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

My new single, Finding Oasis is officially out so I decided to take a few minutes to share the heart and vision behind the song and why I finally decided to release it. As an artist it's sometimes hard to let it go of your work, but once you do it's able to turn into something bigger than you which is a beautiful thing. That's what I have found with Finding Oasis so far and I can't wait to share it with you.

You can stream it anywhere you listen to music. If you have Spotify click HERE!

You can also download my Finding Oasis, 5 minute jumpstart HERE! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

I've always loved talking to artists about their creative process. It's always inspiring to hear how others create. So here is part two of my interview with local Indianapolis musician, Austin Stirling. We discuss his creative process, what he does when he gets stuck, and his new record With The Wolves. 

I hope you enjoy part two of the first ever interview style episode on The Silent Creative Podcast. I hope you are inspired like I was inspired. 

Enjoy! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

I've always loved talking to artists about their creative process. It's always inspiring to hear how others creative. So this week I decided to sit down with local Indianapolis musician, Austin Stirling to talk about his upcoming record, With The Wolves. I loved getting to hear about his journey into music and how he has navigated some series loss in his life and still finds the courage to wake up and create everyday.  

This is the first interview style episode I have done on The Silent Creative Podcast, but I hope it's not the last. I hope that you find inspiration and encouragement as you listen to part 1 of my interview with Austin Stirling. 

Enjoy.  

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

This weekend was my birthday and I turned 36 years old. In typical fashion I was able to celebrate with my closest friends and family. As I driving home reflecting on the celebration I was overcome by the goodness of life. It's the little things isn't it? The friends across the table. The food you get to eat. Life has its ups and downs, but when we have a chance we need to stop and remember...the little things.

I hope this week's episode is an encouragement to you. Take a minute today and allow the small pleasures of life to hit you. It's worth it. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

We live in a very noisy world. It’s a truth you don’t often realize until you find yourself in a quiet place. Silence is almost deafening. It feels awkward and unnatural. But I’m beginning to learn that the art of silence is life changing. The thing is, it’s not always our fault. The culture we live in almost forces us to move at breakneck speed and looks down upon margin and being still. It’s hard to battle against, but I believe it’s important that we do.

It’s always in the times I slow down enough to quietly listen that I learn the most about myself and the world around me. It’s in those moments I allow God to speak instead of just rushing through my day, hoping he intervenes on my behalf.

Let's slow down today and learn the lost art of silence. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1

Do you ever have one of those days...weeks...even years where you just aren't feeling it? Maybe, like me, you stepped into 2020 with high hopes and big dreams ready to crush everyday, but then you wake up one day and something is missing. The spark that once drove your creative work seems to have been put out. What do you do when that happens? How do you handle it?

This week on The Silent Creative I wanted to talk about after starting the year off strong, I'm not feeling it so much right now. I also share a few ideas of what I'm trying to do to find the spark again. I hope it's a helpful conversation, but if all else fails take a few minutes to rest and breath with the music at the end. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com

Download my new interactive single, Finding Oasis for FREE here: https://goo.gl/Lp8ou1