Click above to listen to the brand new song Breathe as you read (releasing 10/27/15 on iTunes worldwide, and all other download and streaming services).
How can pausing to “breathe” help you go from better to best?
Last week I put aside my “to do” list to film a new music video in the mountains of western North Carolina. My original idea was to go deep into an old forest with huge trees, since trees help us breathe by producing oxygen. After some hiking and scouting, the plan shifted. It was a little unsettling at first, but taking time to pause, to breathe in this moment, led to an amazing discovery…
Back at the entrance to the historic forest, there were two signs. The first indicated the mileage to a lookout point. The second said “No Outlet.” My friend (and camera man) agreed we should go exploring, to see if we might discover an even better (perhaps even the best) music video location. We were blown away, and couldn’t wait to start filming at sunrise the next morning.
The image above is just a glimpse of the beauty and wonder we experienced, and I cannot wait to share the new Breathe music video with you soon. Here are a few points of reflection from this story, which may be helpful with your creativity today:
- Having a creative vision and dream to make a positive difference in people’s lives is a great first step.
- Pausing to breathe (being flexible, waiting to see what is revealed) can take you from good, to better, to best.
- Taking calculated risks (seeing what is down a “no outlet” road) is part of experiencing awe and wonder.
- “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)
- “I bless God every chance I get…I live and breathe God…” Psalm 34:1-2 (MSG)
What are you working on that could move from better to best by pausing to “breathe” in a new creative direction?
Beautiful…thank you for sharing! When will the sheet music be available? 🙂
I am currently in NC and wishing I could be ‘home’ in CT…thank you for grounding me in the beauty of the moment and the mountains!
Margaret, so wonderful to know how much you enjoyed this. The sheet music is coming sooner than normal, so stay tuned over the next few weeks…
Pausing to Breathe, took my breath away! thank you
You’re welcome Tammy. So glad you enjoyed and this was meaningful to you!
Hi Stanton! Your newest inspired scripture based melody, Breathe, is Fantastic!!! No matter how stressful the day, breathing in the Word of God through your music is so uplifting, relaxing & peacefilled !!! ?❤️? Thank you for sharing your musical talent with the world !!!
Hi Genny, thank you so much for your comments! I am thrilled that you love this new melody. Blessings to you, and thank you for your friendship and encouragement.
Thank-you so much for this – it really is God at work. Your “Breathe” came to my inbox at a time when God knew I needed it. My book is due at the publisher on Saturday, and although I am not stressed, I am pressed for time and your music is calming, allowing me to breathe…and download at the same time. I have already written you in to my acknowledgements. I wish there was a repeat button.
You’re welcome Meg. I am grateful that God used this new song, and some of the story and verses behind it, to allow you to breathe. Grace and peace to you…
I just received your email. I have yet to listen to your new song since I left my earphones at home. However, I will due so in the next 2 or 3 days. I will share your email with others at that time. The thought process in this message is inspirational to me. Your music is inspirational to me and I just KNOW that Breathe will be a special song. I know it based upon the fact that ALL of your other music is simply fantastic. As far as what I am currently doing to help move myself from better to best, I am continuing to help other people on a day to day basis in their struggles to improve their lives. I volunteer and support a few of my favorite organizations, but mostly I try to do what I can to help others on a one-on-one basis. I am currently involved in helping a 72 year old homeless man, who recently had the toes on one of his feet amputated, deal with all he is going through. That involves any number of aspects of his life. I continue helping my best friend deal with cancer. In the last 11 years he has had cancer of the colon, throat, and now lungs. He has no family in town and no car. We have grown to be as close as brothers in spite of our differing backgrounds and he serves to inspire me with his efforts to overcome all that he has to deal with (experimental drugs, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.). By helping him I know I am helping myself. I have had to deal with many struggles in my own life (health issues involving family members and myself), and I will be 70 years old very soon. Yet to me the very simple equation that means the most to me is as follows: GIVING EQUALS LIVING. When I stop giving I know I will have stopping living. Pretty simple to me. There are SO many ways of giving. Money, time, words of encouragement, help in solving problems, etc., etc.
The work that you do is incredibly important in that it helps many folks in many places. Keep up the good work. I will be tied up for the next couple of days for sure, but I very much look forward to listening to your new song. I WILL provide my thoughts about it to you at that time.
Thank you Stu, for your heartfelt words, and for sharing how this post spoke to you, and how you are generously giving (and living) your life in service to others. Your comments will inspire others I am sure. Blessings to you friend, Stanton
What a powerful message. I totally agree with the idea of pausing to breath. I was not able to open the music though, for some reason. So if there is another way to see it, please let me know. Thank You
Thank you Marge, I am so glad you enjoyed. If you “click” on the arrow at the top (on the left side of the music player), you should be able to listen.
Very peaceful. I found myself intentionally taking deep cleansing breaths as one does in labor. Feel better physically and mentally. When we’re aware of our breathing we become more aware of our surroundings and feel more alive.
My life has taken an interesting turn recently. My daughter, the GT graduate, returned home after 5 years in Panama with a 6 month old baby. They live with us and so I’ve had to re-learn all those mothering skills on a fast track. We are loving the experience and the closer relationships developing from it. But on one particularly trying day, I caught myself holding my breath and literally forgetting to breathe. I needed your song then!!!
Dear Linda, thank you very much for sharing your comments and story. I remember meeting in Atlanta years ago, and having the Georgia Tech connection. I so appreciate you keeping in touch, and hope to some day see you at another concert!
Dear Stanton,
Your new piece will breathe life into many hearts and souls. Will anxiously await the sheet music, so that I can physically see and hold the notes you so lovingly share.
Until then, as you are good to so many, don’t forget to be good to yourself. Your blog has been steady….monumental feat in spite of your busy schedule!
I think perhaps, you heard me!
Maureen
Hi Maureen, thank you for your encouraging words about this new piece, and with my blogging too. Yes, God uses you to speak into my life and music. The sheet music will be coming sooner than normal, hopefully in a few weeks. Blessings to you! Grace and Peace, Stanton
Your new Melody Breathe is beautiful. It is very relaxed and calming.
I have played it over and over as I work through my mountain of paperwork!
It has helped to calm and centre me on the task at hand, without all the stress that is usually involved!
Thank you so much for your ministry in music.
Blessings to you as you bless others with your music.
Dear Ingeborg, thank you very much for taking time to write and share how much “Breathe” means to you. It is joy and privilege to share these Scripture inspired melodies. Blessings to you too!
Enjoyed sharing your vision to let go and let God have his way in all the life situations that keep us so busy and flustered! Thanks for sharing Brother! Blessings! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Hey Skip, thank you for your words of encouragement, and so glad to know that “Breathe” spoke to you. Blessings to you too! Stanton
I just listened to “Breathe” for the 1st time. It was terrific, just as I knew it would be Stanton. Can’t wait for you to someday return to the Denver area. Had a bit of a difficult day at the hospital today with my friend who has cancer. Listening to Breathe and ALL your music somehow helps me to relax and reflect on what I need to do to help my friend continue fighting his disease. As I’ve told you before YOU ARE THE BEST AT WHAT YOU DO. Thanks. Here’s wishing that you include Breathe on the next album you record.
Thank you so much Stu, for your encouraging words, and for your example in serving others to give them the gift friendship and hope. I am so glad the Lord brought our life journeys together to share, and I do look forward to playing in Denver again. Blessings to you! Stanton
Dear Stanton,
Breathe is so beautiful and the reminder came at such a perfect time in my own life, having experienced some tremendous losses in the last two months. Thank you for this lovely melody that touched my heart.
I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta on Sunday!
Blessings to you,
Susan
Susan, I am so glad that “Breathe” brought you some peace and hope during this time. Thank you for taking time to share these words. Blessings to you too, Stanton
Just Beautiful!! God bless you, please continue to let God use your blessed hands to give him Glory because you truly blessed me with your music so peaceful, it’s like Jesus holding my hand. Thank you my friend I pray God will always bless you and I know he will. Thanks again Rob….?
Dear Robert, thanks for taking time to listen and for sharing these words. It is a great blessing and encouragement to me when I hear someone share how God’s presence and a sense of His peace, rest, hope, and healing come through the Scripture inspired melodies. Grace and peace to you, Stanton
Proverbs 16:9
Never before in my life have I been more aware of God directing my steps than I have in the past 18 months. I plan to purchase this song “Breathe” and listen to it daily to remind myself to do just that on this journey that HE is asking me to take. Certainly not the one I would have chosen for myself, but I will “Breathe” and be obedient to HIM. May HE continue to bless you and the Spirit continue to inspire your work.
Dear Libby, thank you for sharing your comments, which are an inspiration to me and to others. I am so grateful that “Breathe” is a special blessing to you. Grace and Peace, Stanton