The river

One of my favorite philosophical observations is that you cannot step twice into the same river.

The reasoning behind this idea, if you’re not familiar, is that in the time between when you last stepped in the river and now, the river has changed. And, also, you have changed. It’s a powerful meditation on impermanence.

And I relate this to my music-making practice.

I made a record with Shannon last year that I’m extremely proud of, and which has garnered us a new level of attention. It really feels like we’re onto something with this one.

And, of course, the tempting thing would be to try to repeat it! To continue the winning formula.

But here’s the thing: it would be impossible for us to make that record again. Because we’ve changed. Neither of us is the same person we were then.

I view this as incredibly freeing. It would be impossible for us to make that record again — and this means that we are freed from the burden of having to try. Instead we can simply continue forward into the future, and discover what treasures await us there.

And how lovely is that?

Impermanently — jamie