This highly inspirational book by jazz pianist Kenny Werner to me fits just as well under Philosophy as it does under Music. Beginning with simple premises such as "the sound I just played is the most beautiful sound I've ever heard" and "there are no wrong notes," Kenny helps the aspiring musician to discover the creativity they always have with them if they are just willing to let go a little and trust themselves. His approach is the opposite of fear-based playing and he has helped me to learn how to let go and feel free to create, particularly when it comes to coming up with a good solo that allows the universe to speak through me. The man knows that about which he writes.

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The excerpt from his book is from Chapter 3: Why Do We Play? It is worth remembering that the goal is to play music, not to work it (to death). And as a reflection on living life in general, Kenny Werner's Effortless Mastery is a great companion in my life.