Ep. 32 // Embracing Mindfulness
A Journey Toward Becoming a Mindful Musician with Manual Bon
In a world that often pushes us to do more, mindfulness invites us to slow down and come back to ourselves. On a recent episode of Music on Mushrooms, I interviewed Manuel Bon (@thecenteredmusician), a classical guitarist and meditation teacher, about what it means to be a truly centered musician.
Manuel defines centeredness as being open and aware. It’s about bringing presence into both daily life and musical practice. For musicians navigating performance anxiety, burnout, or creative blocks, mindfulness and somatic awareness can offer powerful tools for healing and growth.
He shared how grounding exercises before performing can bring us into the present moment, allowing for more authentic & easeful expression. We highlighted how to be a good self-coach by reframing mistakes not as failures, but as opportunities for growth, kindness and patience.
Manuel also emphasized the role of educators in creating emotionally supportive spaces. By modeling awareness and regulation, teachers can help students move beyond comparison and fear into true creative freedom.
You don’t need hours of meditation to start. Manuel recommends small shifts like feeling your breath while playing or being fully present during everyday tasks. Over time, mindfulness becomes a way of being, not another task on your to-do list.
Connect with Manual Bon INSTAGRAM THE CENTERED MUSICIAN
This conversation reminded me that when we care for our inner world, our outer artistry becomes more grounded, expressive, and sustainable.
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