We recently connected with Ron Bracale and have shared our conversation below.

Ron, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am very happy to be able to play the very flexible shakuhachi flute, the vertical bamboo flute of Japan, and daily express my music. I am also very happy to have written many poems and short spiritual essays and write continually as part of my life. These did not support me and my family, so I worked in IT and am now retired and dedicating even more time to these creative acts. I feel that being creative fulfils my life and transcends their economic value. I have 24 years of private music lessons, first with silver flute, keyboards, and theory and now with Shakuhachi. I studied shakuhachi with Grandmaster Michael Chikuzen Gould for ten years and am currently studying Myoan pieces which are hundreds of years old with master Nick Bellando of Hon-on Shakuhachi., I previously studied the Ragas of North India and before that western music and even a couple years of jazz composition. Continual learning is a huge asset in life and I believe it keeps one young in spirit. While I have played in a couple of bands and made a few bucks here and there, and still occasionally play solo gigs, I am mostly satisfied with being creative, I have released a lot of music and inspired many people. I have self-published numerous books and heard from many people that they deeply like it and have learned from it. It is both healing to express one’s deepest contemplations as well as providing a service to those inclined to deep thinking. There is a wonderful feeling that arises when a new cutting edge creativity flows through me. It is indescribable: fully human and yet transcendental.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I became an avid music listener and reader of spiritual books, both modern and of all the world religions, philosophies, and mythologies starting in my teenage years. I always contemplate the deeper essence of being alive and music is an avenue to feeling it. I feel that spiritual life is a life of compassionate love and the activity of forever refining that love. Love goes beyond anything written and yet the written word is extremely inspiring.

I maintain a music website (bracalemusic.com) where all my releases can be found. I also have philosophical essays about music as well as very advanced music theory notes for musicians. My new current offering is YouTube videos of my music and AI graphics (@shakuhachispirit). I maintain a writing web site (enlighteningtreasures.com) where my poetic books can be found. I feel that every person has gifts which can bring healing to humanity and transform Earth into a place where every child grows up feeling blessed and can mature their gifts. In the vastness of the Cosmos, humans are still on the cutting edge of evolving, and I maintain a vision of our future as being glorious. I believe every child has a right to a meaningful life and that when everyone’s gifts are shared, Earth will be the most amazing and wonderful planet imaginable.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

If you have a creative urge, follow it. We are all unique and creativity flowing through each person is unique. Long ago a musician friend said to me, ‘Its all about product.’; but I disagree, its all about Quality. One may have to work their creativity for a long time in order to refine their art. One is not born a master craftsman, one pursues the craft that thrills them until one day, they are sharing masterpieces. When you love what you do, it will make your life meaningful. Do not despair as a struggling artist, let it insight you to intensify and empower yourself. Never be devalued, as that is a false brainwashing. Every creative has immense benefit for our society. When you can find what moves you creatively, follow it with passion. The arts are one creative avenue. One can also be a creative in science, business, or some other field. Doing everything in life with a creative flare makes the humbleness of being a human meaningful and satisfying.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I remember a gig many years ago, with a band where I played silver flute and spoken poetry, a percussionist, and a singer trained in opera doing flowing vocals. Our music was ambient and not bar music that sold beer, but we would get opening acts. We did the music we loved. After the show, a young man came up to me and said… “Before I heard your band, I listened to mostly Metallica. Now I’m exploring new music. Your poetry about the vast Cosmos and the human spirit of exploration opened me up to knowing the wonders that await humanity. I cleaned up my act and am now enrolled in collage to become an Astronomer.’ Wow…

One can be a creative in the field of Astronomy and indeed we need creatives in all fields and aspects of human life. Creativity is a spark that ignites more creativity. Creativity inspires.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ron.Bracale.Music
• Youtube: Ron_ShakuhachiSpirit (@shakuhachispirit)
• Other: https://www.bracalemusic.com/
  https://www.enlighteningtreasures.com

Image Credits

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