The subject isn't much my jam - not saying I disagree or think its bad - just that its not up my alley in terms of interest. So I will just go by sound and this is subjective AF You have a good...
Exemplary
The subject isn't much my jam - not saying I disagree or think its bad - just that its not up my alley in terms of interest. So I will just go by sound and this is subjective AF
You have a good voice, a bit gravelly, which I think your speaking really use to maximum effect. Especially when you let the voice remain calm, and speak clearly and calmly. When you let yourself chuckle you can let it slip in during times where its not fitting - at other times the chuckle really makes me feel as if you and me are chatting as friends which is brilliant.
The sound is good, but I would try for a few blankets or something on the walls of the room you record in to catch the echoey touch to the recording - (I mean buying insanely expensive recording equipment isn't worth it, its good enough - but I think some way to cut down on the echo will make it slightly better (someone with more audio skills than me should jump in and comment))
(EDIT: this is nitpicking a bit just FYI) I would also choose another music, you seem to work from a script idea of what you're going to say - and even if not you can always pick out the music to rise and let that keep the emotional intonations to what you're saying (so you can keep that calm nice voice going on its own). Let the subject ebb and flow with introductions, questions and then pathos read in that same tone, but let the music convey the swelling of emotions as it happens and then calm down again as is fitting.
You can also try to lean in a bit to the mic when you feel you need more force to what you're saying, when you want to convey intensive emotion without raising your voice. Remember smiling when talking when you want there to be a happy feel to the sounds.
THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT BELOW
Everyone dislikes hearing their own voice recorded - but you really have zero cause to do so. You have a beautiful and clear speaking voice. Soft with a nice rasp to it too which makes it both invitingly calm and masculine at the same time (this is not me hitting on you, but it IS a nice voice :D )
Don't think about it too much, and record more thinkings and musings and you'll notice that it will get easier each time. Again, you have nothing to feel nervous about.
Wow, I really appreciate the feedback. Honestly, this format usually isn't my jam either, which I think is why I am so worried. I wanted to get something out and... So I did. It's out of my...
Wow, I really appreciate the feedback. Honestly, this format usually isn't my jam either, which I think is why I am so worried. I wanted to get something out and... So I did. It's out of my element but it felt good to actually create something.
And that's a good idea. My sound is only as remotely as "okay" as it is because I have a blue yeti and have adobe audition, but it could get so much better with some real sound dampening. (I had to edit soooo much random background sounds out)
Music... is hard. I listened to something like 100 tracks before going "Okay, this sucks the least". Maybe I just don't have an ear for it. But what you said completely makes sense.
Also... thank you for saying that about my voice. I'm a very feminine guy, and it has taken me a long time just to accept that much about myself. My voice is... hard to listen to because it always sounds so much more different than I actually think it does.
<3 I hate hearing my own voice recorded too - its like someone else talking through my mouth but it gets easier quicker the more I talk in front of others or have my voice recorded. If I where you...
<3
I hate hearing my own voice recorded too - its like someone else talking through my mouth but it gets easier quicker the more I talk in front of others or have my voice recorded.
If I where you I would first off not give a shit if you're seen as effeminate or not. I don't know if you're gay or straight (or anything else) - but as a gay dude, there is a blessing in being allowed to be queeny AF when I want to. I never have to "prove" my sexuality or gender, unlike straight guys who seem to be forced to go through life, proving to other straight guys, that they are in fact straight and "manly".
You're voice is lovely. I can say that with some confidence. You should be proud of it!
Whether you're feminine or not, does it matter? I mean does it matter to people who really matter in your life? If you go through the people who have said that with spite to you, or people who have shown a dislike to that quality in you or judged you for it - did they really matter? Or where they just dicks for which every meter of extra distance from them was a blessing?
IMO you sounded just fine, and I dig the visualization going on in the video as well. As for the contents itself, have you considered checking out some Buddhist philosophy? The reason I suggest...
IMO you sounded just fine, and I dig the visualization going on in the video as well. As for the contents itself, have you considered checking out some Buddhist philosophy? The reason I suggest that is you kinda indirectly touched on a bunch of topics that Buddhism (and Zen, which I practice) has some pretty profound things to say about, E.g. benevolence, compassion, equanimity, detachment, etc. And I think if you wanted to delve further into this subject, that would be a good place to start.
p.s. If you do want to check some Buddhist/Zen philosophy out, I can recommend some books for you. E.g. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is the book that first introduced me to Zen some 20+ years ago, and I highly recommend it.
Absolutely! I will look into what you recommended. I can't say I've ever read it. I am just deeply bothered by the opposite mindspace of "How you feel has nothing to do with me". Because, while...
nsidered checking out some Buddhist philosophy? The reason I suggest that is you kinda indirectly touched on a bunch of topics that Buddhism (and Zen, which I practice) has some pretty profound things to say about, E.g. benevolence, compassion, equanimity, detachment, etc. And
Absolutely! I will look into what you recommended. I can't say I've ever read it.
I am just deeply bothered by the opposite mindspace of "How you feel has nothing to do with me". Because, while that's true, it completely disqualifies their impact on the matter. I used to have some close friends who were very much this way and could never own up to the negativity they created through their direct actions.
It's a pretty great book and well worth reading, IMO. However, it is kinda basic on the philosophy side, since it's meant more for those looking for an introduction to Zen and primarily just...
It's a pretty great book and well worth reading, IMO. However, it is kinda basic on the philosophy side, since it's meant more for those looking for an introduction to Zen and primarily just wanting to learn how to start practicing Zazen meditation. So for something a little heavier on the philosophy side of things, if that's what you want to get into, The Eight Gates of Zen (which was written by an abbot of the Mountains and Rivers Order, which runs a monastery in upstate NY that I have actually studied at) might be better.
And yeah, that dismissive attitude bothers me too. :(
(Not OP, but:) I always wanted to read a bit more about Buddhist philosophy, but never really knew where to start. And I never looked for a place to start. So thanks for giving me a place to...
(Not OP, but:) I always wanted to read a bit more about Buddhist philosophy, but never really knew where to start. And I never looked for a place to start. So thanks for giving me a place to start, I am going to report back my thoughts in a few days if I remember :).
Awesome, and yeah I would definitely be down to hear your thoughts on the book. :) p.s. Here is a comment that I made a few months ago about Zazen and Zen Mind that might also interest you (and...
Awesome, and yeah I would definitely be down to hear your thoughts on the book. :)
So I have read the book, and tried meditating two times. I've read the book in English downloaded from library genesis because libraries where I am still aren't open because of the corona. First...
So I have read the book, and tried meditating two times. I've read the book in English downloaded from library genesis because libraries where I am still aren't open because of the corona. First day I was still reading the book and I mostly wanted to try if I can even get into the lotus pose, especially after reading that it might be too hard for beginners. I could get into the pose pretty easily, but it hurt a bit so I didn't even really begin meditating.
Today I finished reading the book and tried zazen again, it still hurt a bit, but not nearly enough that I couldn't sit like this for a good while more if I wanted to. I am pretty sure that it's ok that the full lotus hurts a bit at the beginning, and it will get better with time (?). I think I "meditated" for about 5 minutes, not really sure though because I didn't look at the time before and after. Would you recommend starting a timer before starting? Also, I had a hard time with not thinking about if I am sitting right, breathing right and thinking right. Again, the book I think explained pretty well that just sitting and trying to do it is already pretty much doing it. That it basically is just sitting. But still, it's hard to think I am not doing it wrong somehow haha :).
Talking about the book itself, I felt that I understood it for the most part. Again, I felt that I should reread some parts again, but if I understood, the book basically said that I shouldn't need to do that. I didn't (and still don't) really know too much about Buddhist philosophy before, but from what I know so far, it's very reasonable.
I am going to try to keep doing zazen once a day, and I guess I'll see what I think after some more time :).
Damn, nice! I'm proud of you for even attempting to take the plunge! So many people never even get that far. :) I wouldn't say hurting is good, but it can certainly be rather uncomfortable at...
Damn, nice! I'm proud of you for even attempting to take the plunge! So many people never even get that far. :)
I am pretty sure that it's ok that the full lotus hurts a bit at the beginning, and it will get better with time (?).
I wouldn't say hurting is good, but it can certainly be rather uncomfortable at first unless you're particularly flexible. If you do find it too much, you could always try half-lotus to start. That's how I started too, before gradually working my way up to full lotus a little at a time. It does definitely get better with time as your muscles stretch and you get used to the position though. I can sit full lotus for about an hour or so these days before it starts getting a tiny bit uncomfortable... and maybe 2 hours max before I need to stop and at least stretch before resuming.
BTW, if you're looking for basic Zazen meditation instruction/advice, this is by far the best, and most concise video I have ever found for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDJ_wbjBL6c It's only 5min and I highly recommend it.
Would you recommend starting a timer before starting?
You certainly can, or you can just not care and keep going until you're satisfied regardless of time... or, if you're not really dead-set on traditional Zazen, why not try music instead? It'll probably be a much more pleasant/fulfilling experience for you, at least to start out, will help you keep track of time a bit better (if you so desire), and I can even recommend some good stuff to listen to if you want. E.g. I meditate to the Gyuto Monks fairly regularly and it's awesome for getting me in the right headspace immediately.
Also, I had a hard time with not thinking about if I am sitting right, breathing right and thinking right... But still, it's hard to think I am not doing it wrong somehow haha
Classic "monkey mind" trying to swing you from tree to tree to distract you. That's totally normal, and with time will quiet down. :) An old comment of mine mentioned some advice for that:
the biggest piece of advice I can give is to try your best not to get frustrated if you can't quiet your mind right away. If it starts wandering, don't fight it, acknowledge the stray thoughts but then let them pass through your mind and just resume counting again. It may take a few attempts at meditation before you are able to reach consistent and prolonged stillness of mind, so just keep at it. The more often you meditate, the easier and quicker you will be able to reach that state, too. Eventually you won't even need to worry about your posture or all the other trappings (but to start they are good to practice to help you build the habit!) and just counting breaths regardless of circumstances will get you there.
I felt that I should reread some parts again, but if I understood, the book basically said that I shouldn't need to do that
That is likely intended to be a bit of a tease/paradox, since I don't know if there ever truly is any time you will feel you fully understand Zen or everything a Zen master has said. I certainly can't claim to, and I have been a practitioner for decades now. But that's kinda the point, in a way. There is a reason Hakiun's most famous Zen koan (meditation riddle) is "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" after all. Sometimes there isn't actually any definitive, objective answer to be had, but the process of asking yourself the question is more the point. Zen mind = Beginner's mind. The goal is not to become an "expert", because their minds are too full! ;)
p.s. If you want some lighthearted Zen stuff to ponder while you meditate, I would highly recommend checking out a book called Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (or pdf), which is a translated compilation of a bunch of much older, classical Zen works. It's full of tons of similar koans, parables, anecdotes, etc. that are great to ponder on and consider while meditating.
And one of my favorites is the very first of the book, because of how perfect it describes Zen Mind:
A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912) received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. 'It is overfull. No more will go in!'
‘Like this cup,' Nan-in said. ‘You are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup? '
But the mistake most people make after reading that is to assume the goal of Zen is to eventually refill the cup, when the purpose is really to learn how to empty it again whenever you need to (IMO). :)
Thank you so much for the response! I like the video, I might try half lotus instead tomorrow and I also might try for more big mind, with less monkey mind and small mind :). I will definitely...
Thank you so much for the response!
BTW, if you're looking for basic Zazen meditation instruction/advice, this is by far the best, and most concise video I have ever found for that:
I like the video, I might try half lotus instead tomorrow and I also might try for more big mind, with less monkey mind and small mind :).
I will definitely check out Zen Flesh, Zen Bones too, it sounds really interesting - also thank you for providing the pdf right away for me :). Also, if I remember, I will try to share how I am liking all this after some time.
I would love that. And even if you find it's not for you, at least you gave it a shot, which is more than most can say. :) If you do find yourself sticking with it though, and actually want to...
I will try to share how I am liking all this after some time.
I would love that. And even if you find it's not for you, at least you gave it a shot, which is more than most can say. :)
If you do find yourself sticking with it though, and actually want to dive a bit deeper into the more scholarly philosophy side of Buddhism and Zen, (e.g. learning about the Noble Eightfold Path, Four Noble Truths, Four Immeasurable, etc) let me know and I can recommend some slightly more serious resources/books for you too. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is great, but it's mostly meant as just an introduction to Zen, and so focuses a lot more on the practical aspects rather than getting too deep into the dogmatic/philosophical weeds. There is also absolutely nothing wrong with just sticking to the more practical and lighthearted side of Zen though, if that's what you enjoy and get the most benefit from, which is where I tend to focus too TBH.
Behind your mic, stack up some pillows or something to strip away that room sound. This should also warm your voice up (in tone) a bit, which is really nice. You may also need to switch up your...
Behind your mic, stack up some pillows or something to strip away that room sound. This should also warm your voice up (in tone) a bit, which is really nice. You may also need to switch up your mic if you're finding you're not getting a full range out of it. But do your best to create a dead space. To get the potential, you can put some pillows and stuff into a small closet and give it a whirl.
Definitely work from a script and get comfortable working from a script.
nice! Soundproofing the room is great. You can use a box with soundproofing around the sides, then have the mic inside that. Have the opening facing you, and that will pretty much cover the bases....
nice! Soundproofing the room is great. You can use a box with soundproofing around the sides, then have the mic inside that. Have the opening facing you, and that will pretty much cover the bases. All you need to do is kill the sound beyond the mic itself.
Hey everyone, first post on tildes as well! This is really the first thing I've made for youtube (besides a couple tutorials and a video of my dog howling) and I am a bit nervous. I know the...
Hey everyone, first post on tildes as well!
This is really the first thing I've made for youtube (besides a couple tutorials and a video of my dog howling) and I am a bit nervous. I know the content of the video is nothing crazy or "deep". But I want to get better.
Anyone out there have experience in this area? Even if not, any advice or thoughts?
No experience or advice. Just wanted to say it was good. Good audio. Voice is fine, no stuttering. The "audio pulse circle" (is there a name for those things) was a nice touch, better than a...
No experience or advice. Just wanted to say it was good. Good audio. Voice is fine, no stuttering. The "audio pulse circle" (is there a name for those things) was a nice touch, better than a static picture. I thought I heard something in the background, very faint, maybe music? Thank you for not having anything loud in the background.
Veerrrry faint music. I wasnt sure where to put the level at because... well, distracting haha. And Im glad the circle worked. I'm pretty new with after effects! Thank you for the feedback!
Veerrrry faint music. I wasnt sure where to put the level at because... well, distracting haha.
And Im glad the circle worked. I'm pretty new with after effects!
It's pretty good overall. Sometimes I feel like you are trying to slow your cadence down and it sounds a bit weird, and it's also a bit chopped up at times. That said I think just need to do more...
It's pretty good overall. Sometimes I feel like you are trying to slow your cadence down and it sounds a bit weird, and it's also a bit chopped up at times. That said I think just need to do more of it and you'll improve over time.
Probably because of my lack of a script, this is something I have spoke about a lot but I kept stopping to think. Haha. I agree though and appreciate the thoughts!
Probably because of my lack of a script, this is something I have spoke about a lot but I kept stopping to think. Haha.
Maybe this post should be in ~creative? You sound just fine. It's actually one of the things I liked the most. You're talking from a very personal standpoint and it makes sense to talk in a very...
You sound just fine. It's actually one of the things I liked the most. You're talking from a very personal standpoint and it makes sense to talk in a very natural way.
The content feels kinda trivial to me. It would be nice if you brought some kind of scientific, philosophical, or spiritual approaches to enrichen your remarks.
I loved both the music choice and the circular waveform.
You could also go in another direction entirely, and make something more freeform, play with comedy and nonsense. Watch The Midnight Gospel and especially Dr. Katz Professional Therapist. Maybe listen to Welcome to Nightvale.
I want to stress that I really liked your voice.
Please share what was your process to make this, both technical and personal. I kinda want to make something similar.
It's interesting how universal it is that basically everyone doesn't like their own voice. Your voice is really nice :). I also think the video is nicely produced and that your editing skills...
It's interesting how universal it is that basically everyone doesn't like their own voice. Your voice is really nice :). I also think the video is nicely produced and that your editing skills aren't "a few years back", or at least if they are that the video still looks good!
Your voice is fine, you could hone your delivery, but it's really the content that is king. If I read from a script, I sound wooden. Here is what works for me. I listen to my recording and...
Your voice is fine, you could hone your delivery, but it's really the content that is king.
If I read from a script, I sound wooden. Here is what works for me. I listen to my recording and rerecord it. I Repeat that until I'm happy with it. I think about where I want to inject more emotion into my voice, or pause for............ dramatic effect!
While you are listening to yourself, ask yourself, what is the hook, and what is the key takeaway? For the hook, you could start with your personal anecdote. Your struggles with this issue really make it more interesting and relevant. Do you have a call to action? What should your audience do differently? What can they do right now? Don't make me think. Make me think that I am thinking.
You might be interested in two books. The Power of Habit talks about why habits are hard to change, and how to change them. Illusions by Richard Bach has a short section that takes the "am I responsible for anothers feelings" to absurd lengths.
The subject isn't much my jam - not saying I disagree or think its bad - just that its not up my alley in terms of interest. So I will just go by sound and this is subjective AF
You have a good voice, a bit gravelly, which I think your speaking really use to maximum effect. Especially when you let the voice remain calm, and speak clearly and calmly. When you let yourself chuckle you can let it slip in during times where its not fitting - at other times the chuckle really makes me feel as if you and me are chatting as friends which is brilliant.
The sound is good, but I would try for a few blankets or something on the walls of the room you record in to catch the echoey touch to the recording - (I mean buying insanely expensive recording equipment isn't worth it, its good enough - but I think some way to cut down on the echo will make it slightly better (someone with more audio skills than me should jump in and comment))
(EDIT: this is nitpicking a bit just FYI) I would also choose another music, you seem to work from a script idea of what you're going to say - and even if not you can always pick out the music to rise and let that keep the emotional intonations to what you're saying (so you can keep that calm nice voice going on its own). Let the subject ebb and flow with introductions, questions and then pathos read in that same tone, but let the music convey the swelling of emotions as it happens and then calm down again as is fitting.
You can also try to lean in a bit to the mic when you feel you need more force to what you're saying, when you want to convey intensive emotion without raising your voice. Remember smiling when talking when you want there to be a happy feel to the sounds.
THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT BELOW
Everyone dislikes hearing their own voice recorded - but you really have zero cause to do so. You have a beautiful and clear speaking voice. Soft with a nice rasp to it too which makes it both invitingly calm and masculine at the same time (this is not me hitting on you, but it IS a nice voice :D )
Don't think about it too much, and record more thinkings and musings and you'll notice that it will get easier each time. Again, you have nothing to feel nervous about.
Keep talking, keep recording <3
Wow, I really appreciate the feedback. Honestly, this format usually isn't my jam either, which I think is why I am so worried. I wanted to get something out and... So I did. It's out of my element but it felt good to actually create something.
And that's a good idea. My sound is only as remotely as "okay" as it is because I have a blue yeti and have adobe audition, but it could get so much better with some real sound dampening. (I had to edit soooo much random background sounds out)
Music... is hard. I listened to something like 100 tracks before going "Okay, this sucks the least". Maybe I just don't have an ear for it. But what you said completely makes sense.
Also... thank you for saying that about my voice. I'm a very feminine guy, and it has taken me a long time just to accept that much about myself. My voice is... hard to listen to because it always sounds so much more different than I actually think it does.
Thank you so much!
<3
I hate hearing my own voice recorded too - its like someone else talking through my mouth but it gets easier quicker the more I talk in front of others or have my voice recorded.
If I where you I would first off not give a shit if you're seen as effeminate or not. I don't know if you're gay or straight (or anything else) - but as a gay dude, there is a blessing in being allowed to be queeny AF when I want to. I never have to "prove" my sexuality or gender, unlike straight guys who seem to be forced to go through life, proving to other straight guys, that they are in fact straight and "manly".
You're voice is lovely. I can say that with some confidence. You should be proud of it!
Whether you're feminine or not, does it matter? I mean does it matter to people who really matter in your life? If you go through the people who have said that with spite to you, or people who have shown a dislike to that quality in you or judged you for it - did they really matter? Or where they just dicks for which every meter of extra distance from them was a blessing?
IMO you sounded just fine, and I dig the visualization going on in the video as well. As for the contents itself, have you considered checking out some Buddhist philosophy? The reason I suggest that is you kinda indirectly touched on a bunch of topics that Buddhism (and Zen, which I practice) has some pretty profound things to say about, E.g. benevolence, compassion, equanimity, detachment, etc. And I think if you wanted to delve further into this subject, that would be a good place to start.
p.s. If you do want to check some Buddhist/Zen philosophy out, I can recommend some books for you. E.g. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is the book that first introduced me to Zen some 20+ years ago, and I highly recommend it.
Absolutely! I will look into what you recommended. I can't say I've ever read it.
I am just deeply bothered by the opposite mindspace of "How you feel has nothing to do with me". Because, while that's true, it completely disqualifies their impact on the matter. I used to have some close friends who were very much this way and could never own up to the negativity they created through their direct actions.
It's a pretty great book and well worth reading, IMO. However, it is kinda basic on the philosophy side, since it's meant more for those looking for an introduction to Zen and primarily just wanting to learn how to start practicing Zazen meditation. So for something a little heavier on the philosophy side of things, if that's what you want to get into, The Eight Gates of Zen (which was written by an abbot of the Mountains and Rivers Order, which runs a monastery in upstate NY that I have actually studied at) might be better.
And yeah, that dismissive attitude bothers me too. :(
(Not OP, but:) I always wanted to read a bit more about Buddhist philosophy, but never really knew where to start. And I never looked for a place to start. So thanks for giving me a place to start, I am going to report back my thoughts in a few days if I remember :).
Awesome, and yeah I would definitely be down to hear your thoughts on the book. :)
p.s. Here is a comment that I made a few months ago about Zazen and Zen Mind that might also interest you (and has a bunch more book recommendations as well): https://tildes.net/~humanities/km0/anyone_here_practicing_zazen#comment-4e1x
So I have read the book, and tried meditating two times. I've read the book in English downloaded from library genesis because libraries where I am still aren't open because of the corona. First day I was still reading the book and I mostly wanted to try if I can even get into the lotus pose, especially after reading that it might be too hard for beginners. I could get into the pose pretty easily, but it hurt a bit so I didn't even really begin meditating.
Today I finished reading the book and tried zazen again, it still hurt a bit, but not nearly enough that I couldn't sit like this for a good while more if I wanted to. I am pretty sure that it's ok that the full lotus hurts a bit at the beginning, and it will get better with time (?). I think I "meditated" for about 5 minutes, not really sure though because I didn't look at the time before and after. Would you recommend starting a timer before starting? Also, I had a hard time with not thinking about if I am sitting right, breathing right and thinking right. Again, the book I think explained pretty well that just sitting and trying to do it is already pretty much doing it. That it basically is just sitting. But still, it's hard to think I am not doing it wrong somehow haha :).
Talking about the book itself, I felt that I understood it for the most part. Again, I felt that I should reread some parts again, but if I understood, the book basically said that I shouldn't need to do that. I didn't (and still don't) really know too much about Buddhist philosophy before, but from what I know so far, it's very reasonable.
I am going to try to keep doing zazen once a day, and I guess I'll see what I think after some more time :).
Damn, nice! I'm proud of you for even attempting to take the plunge! So many people never even get that far. :)
I wouldn't say hurting is good, but it can certainly be rather uncomfortable at first unless you're particularly flexible. If you do find it too much, you could always try half-lotus to start. That's how I started too, before gradually working my way up to full lotus a little at a time. It does definitely get better with time as your muscles stretch and you get used to the position though. I can sit full lotus for about an hour or so these days before it starts getting a tiny bit uncomfortable... and maybe 2 hours max before I need to stop and at least stretch before resuming.
BTW, if you're looking for basic Zazen meditation instruction/advice, this is by far the best, and most concise video I have ever found for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDJ_wbjBL6c It's only 5min and I highly recommend it.
You certainly can, or you can just not care and keep going until you're satisfied regardless of time... or, if you're not really dead-set on traditional Zazen, why not try music instead? It'll probably be a much more pleasant/fulfilling experience for you, at least to start out, will help you keep track of time a bit better (if you so desire), and I can even recommend some good stuff to listen to if you want. E.g. I meditate to the Gyuto Monks fairly regularly and it's awesome for getting me in the right headspace immediately.
Classic "monkey mind" trying to swing you from tree to tree to distract you. That's totally normal, and with time will quiet down. :) An old comment of mine mentioned some advice for that:
That is likely intended to be a bit of a tease/paradox, since I don't know if there ever truly is any time you will feel you fully understand Zen or everything a Zen master has said. I certainly can't claim to, and I have been a practitioner for decades now. But that's kinda the point, in a way. There is a reason Hakiun's most famous Zen koan (meditation riddle) is "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" after all. Sometimes there isn't actually any definitive, objective answer to be had, but the process of asking yourself the question is more the point. Zen mind = Beginner's mind. The goal is not to become an "expert", because their minds are too full! ;)
p.s. If you want some lighthearted Zen stuff to ponder while you meditate, I would highly recommend checking out a book called Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (or pdf), which is a translated compilation of a bunch of much older, classical Zen works. It's full of tons of similar koans, parables, anecdotes, etc. that are great to ponder on and consider while meditating.
And one of my favorites is the very first of the book, because of how perfect it describes Zen Mind:
But the mistake most people make after reading that is to assume the goal of Zen is to eventually refill the cup, when the purpose is really to learn how to empty it again whenever you need to (IMO). :)
Thank you so much for the response!
I like the video, I might try half lotus instead tomorrow and I also might try for more big mind, with less monkey mind and small mind :).
I will definitely check out Zen Flesh, Zen Bones too, it sounds really interesting - also thank you for providing the pdf right away for me :). Also, if I remember, I will try to share how I am liking all this after some time.
I would love that. And even if you find it's not for you, at least you gave it a shot, which is more than most can say. :)
If you do find yourself sticking with it though, and actually want to dive a bit deeper into the more scholarly philosophy side of Buddhism and Zen, (e.g. learning about the Noble Eightfold Path, Four Noble Truths, Four Immeasurable, etc) let me know and I can recommend some slightly more serious resources/books for you too. Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is great, but it's mostly meant as just an introduction to Zen, and so focuses a lot more on the practical aspects rather than getting too deep into the dogmatic/philosophical weeds. There is also absolutely nothing wrong with just sticking to the more practical and lighthearted side of Zen though, if that's what you enjoy and get the most benefit from, which is where I tend to focus too TBH.
Behind your mic, stack up some pillows or something to strip away that room sound. This should also warm your voice up (in tone) a bit, which is really nice. You may also need to switch up your mic if you're finding you're not getting a full range out of it. But do your best to create a dead space. To get the potential, you can put some pillows and stuff into a small closet and give it a whirl.
Definitely work from a script and get comfortable working from a script.
Keep it up!
I'm investing a bit now into soundproofing a room in my house, seems like that's everyones advice! And thank you!
nice! Soundproofing the room is great. You can use a box with soundproofing around the sides, then have the mic inside that. Have the opening facing you, and that will pretty much cover the bases. All you need to do is kill the sound beyond the mic itself.
Hey everyone, first post on tildes as well!
This is really the first thing I've made for youtube (besides a couple tutorials and a video of my dog howling) and I am a bit nervous. I know the content of the video is nothing crazy or "deep". But I want to get better.
Anyone out there have experience in this area? Even if not, any advice or thoughts?
No experience or advice. Just wanted to say it was good. Good audio. Voice is fine, no stuttering. The "audio pulse circle" (is there a name for those things) was a nice touch, better than a static picture. I thought I heard something in the background, very faint, maybe music? Thank you for not having anything loud in the background.
Veerrrry faint music. I wasnt sure where to put the level at because... well, distracting haha.
And Im glad the circle worked. I'm pretty new with after effects!
Thank you for the feedback!
It's pretty good overall. Sometimes I feel like you are trying to slow your cadence down and it sounds a bit weird, and it's also a bit chopped up at times. That said I think just need to do more of it and you'll improve over time.
Probably because of my lack of a script, this is something I have spoke about a lot but I kept stopping to think. Haha.
I agree though and appreciate the thoughts!
Maybe this post should be in ~creative?
You sound just fine. It's actually one of the things I liked the most. You're talking from a very personal standpoint and it makes sense to talk in a very natural way.
The content feels kinda trivial to me. It would be nice if you brought some kind of scientific, philosophical, or spiritual approaches to enrichen your remarks.
I loved both the music choice and the circular waveform.
You could also go in another direction entirely, and make something more freeform, play with comedy and nonsense. Watch The Midnight Gospel and especially Dr. Katz Professional Therapist. Maybe listen to Welcome to Nightvale.
I want to stress that I really liked your voice.
Please share what was your process to make this, both technical and personal. I kinda want to make something similar.
It's interesting how universal it is that basically everyone doesn't like their own voice. Your voice is really nice :). I also think the video is nicely produced and that your editing skills aren't "a few years back", or at least if they are that the video still looks good!
Your voice is fine, you could hone your delivery, but it's really the content that is king.
If I read from a script, I sound wooden. Here is what works for me. I listen to my recording and rerecord it. I Repeat that until I'm happy with it. I think about where I want to inject more emotion into my voice, or pause for............ dramatic effect!
While you are listening to yourself, ask yourself, what is the hook, and what is the key takeaway? For the hook, you could start with your personal anecdote. Your struggles with this issue really make it more interesting and relevant. Do you have a call to action? What should your audience do differently? What can they do right now? Don't make me think. Make me think that I am thinking.
You might be interested in two books. The Power of Habit talks about why habits are hard to change, and how to change them. Illusions by Richard Bach has a short section that takes the "am I responsible for anothers feelings" to absurd lengths.