MACHEL: TM, YOGA AND ME

SOCA superstar Machel Montano has been speaking of the impact that transcendental meditation has had on him.

Montano said he has been practising TM and yoga since the year 2000 and they have positively influenced his creativity and his life generally.

These ancient Asian traditions have kept the top artiste grounded, and given him more energy and focus, in addition to having his mind stilled in the midst of hectic activities.

Montano, who accompanies TM and yoga with a strict diet, said he connects with his inner self and better appreciates personal and global priorities.

The singer said that inner energies unite and empower people.

He stated that through the years he has been exploring various spiritual techniques.

Sivananda yoga is one of these practises and this involves a number of activities, including positive thinking and meditation.

Montano spoke of retreating from the hustle and bustle to meditate and focus and boost his creative energies.

At this time last year, the singer was taking part in the annual Shiv Raatri (Hindu festival in honour of Lord Shiva) in India.

He has spent much time meditating and studying on the Himalayan mountains.

The ace entertainer has also been associated with spiritual teacher Sadhguru and was associated with the visit to Trinidad and Tobago last August of the world-renowned sage.

Montano, who was born a Catholic, said his spiritual journey includes exploring self-realisation, which helped him to foster closer relations with God.

There is a spiritual dimension in everything, he stated, and a level of transcendence in music.

But Montano is also focused on other aspects of his development.

He is doing a master’s degree in Carnival studies to better appreciate the history and dynamics of the industry in which he is involved.

He is also uniting the music of soca and Afrobeat, the Nigerian-founded genre that involves jazz, funk and soul.

He showcased Afrobeat artistes at his Carnival concert in Port of Spain.

The entertainer feels the era of competition in soca has ended and that the art-form must seek other frontiers, such as a Grammy category.

He would not mind being the first winner when that Grammy field becomes reality.

Montano is also on a mission of inspiring and guiding young artistes.