You always know when summer is close by when you start hearing the birds sing in the early parts of the morning. I love when this happens. The choir joins in to tell us that winter is coming to a close and something special is on its way. That's how I've always felt when I hear birds singing in the morning. 

Recently I came across a quote from one of my favorite authors, Jeff Goins, where he said, "Do you know why birds sing just before dawn? Scientist believe it's to tell their mates that they made it through the night, as a way of saying, I'm still here. Maybe that's why we sing, too, why we create art - as a way of saying "I made it. I'm still here.""

How amazing is that? I love that idea and that's why I wanted to bring it out on this week's episode. You are an artist and your voice is needed, if for no other reason then to let us all know that you made it, that you are still here.

Sing bird sing!! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

You know how sometimes you find inspiration or fresh perspective in the most random of places? Like you didn't see it coming and then all of the sudden it hit you out of nowhere leaving you speechless. Well, that's what we are talking about on this week's episode. Recently I was out with my daughter, Story and she said something that left me speechless. Now I know I'm her dad, but I think you will find inspiration in her words as well. She's pretty brilliant if you ask me, so check it out!! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

Growing up I had the privilege of played high school basketball. I was tall and fairly coordinated, so I was able to get a lot of playing time. No matter if you are into sports or not you know that there are timeouts that can be called throughout the game. They are called for a myriad different reasons, but usually they are called because something isn't going right. Maybe the game plan that was trying to be executed wasn't work or perhaps we just needed to take a breath and get some water. No matter why it was called, it was always a good thing to do to help us refocus and get back in the game. Life can be that way too and sometimes we just need to call a timeout. That is what this week's episode is all about...calling a timeout. 

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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 can remember the day that my daughter Story was born. It was exciting, unreal, and terrifying all at the same time. There was a moment when everyone in the room looked at me and asked what her name was. It seemed so unimportant before, but there was a tangible power when I was able to finally push back the tears and introduce Story Cash Cooper to the world. We don't think about it very much, but there is power in naming something isn't there? Which makes me think about the names we give ourselves. If you are anything like me you spend a lot of time silently calling yourself something. Names like stupid, idiot, dumb, fat, worthless, etc. etc. These names have power and I think it's something we need to talk about. So let's switch it up and begin to call ourselves something more up lifting. What do you say? 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

Growing up as a guitar player I always wanted to be the guy who stepped up and blew peoples minds with the most epic guitar solo they had ever heard. The only problem was that I didn't know how to get from where I was to where I wanted to be, so I ended up not really trying at all. Years later I had to learn some songs for a show I was playing and all of the sudden it clicked. Now, I won't say that I'm the most amazing soloist, but something about mimicking someone else unlocked something in me in a way I never knew was possible. So what would that look like if we stepped into life with that same mindset? How much more would we grow? How much more would we learn as we stepped into the art of mimicking others. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

There is a lot of good that you can find on Facebook, yes, a lot of bad too, but I don't want to talk about that today. I want to look at the positive of what Facebook can bring us. In this episode I talk about an inspirational quote I saw on the good old FB and how it really got me thinking about my life and how I view others. Sounds like a pretty good quote doesn't it? Not only is it profound it is also hilarious so hit play and lets dive in. As you listen I want you to remember that you are an artist, that your voice is needed in this world more than you know, and you are love more than you can imagine.

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

If you have been around me for any length of time you have heard me say this; You are an artist and your voice is needed in this world more than you know, and you are loved more than you could ever imagine. That's what this weeks episode is all about, your voice. It's really easy for us to get down on ourselves and begin to believe the lie that we aren't important, that we don't have anything to offer the world, but that's just not true. Your voice matters. So let's dive into a time to sit, rest, and reflect on this truth today. You are an artist so create your art! 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

A few years ago I heard about an idea where you choose a guiding word for the year. At first I thought it was a little weird, but I decided to put my skepticism aside and try it. All I'll say is that I am really glad I did it! This small idea has become a powerful tool that shapes my day, week, and year in ways I can't even begin to describe. If you haven't done something like this I highly recommend trying it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised that when you look back over your year you will see this one word change it all. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

Growing up I always heard that we were created in the image of God. To me that meant God had arms and legs, fingers and toes...you know, that kinda thing. I've been thinking about this the past few months and in the process I kept coming around to the idea that God is a creative God and if we are created in his image that must mean we are creative people. Created to create. That is the observation I discuss in this weeks episode. My hope is that it helps you begin to see that you are in artist and that your voice is needed in this world and that you are loved more than you could ever image. 

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Music by Darren Cooper: darrencoopermusic.com 

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

On this episode of The Silent Creative we are talking about meditation, or really my observations on meditation. I call it that because I am not a guru when it comes to this topic, but I have found some amazing benefits in practicing meditation. I start by sharing a quick story of a time when I became so worked up because I was put in charge of an event that I didn't feel prepared for that the next day my brain was mush. After spending a few minutes in meditation I found that I had a clear mind, my fear and anxiety calmed down, and I felt like I could connect spiritually in a way I hadn't felt in weeks. My ping pong mind as I call it had calmed down. It was amazing. So join me in taking a few minutes to rest, breath, meditate and remember that you are an artist and that your voice is needed in this world and that you are love more than you could ever imagine. 

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Meditation Resources: 

Meditation Oasis Podcast

Restore Renew Online 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