Mind clearing

By Tania Martin
TECOMA musician and meditation teacher Jarek Czechowicz will step on centre stage at the upcoming 2007 Sustainable Living Festival with two other local acts.
Jed Rowe will join Mr Czechowicz on stage together with Upwey instrumentalist Michael Arvantakis.
Mr Czechowicz will be holding peace music medications in the Feel Marquee on the Yarra River Promenade near Federation Square from 1pm to 2pm on Friday, 16 February.
He will also be holding peace music chanting sessions on the main stage at Federation Square between 10am and 11am on Saturday, 17 February.
The festival in its eighth year aims to highlight the importance of sustainable living to as many people as possible.
It will feature a wide variety of displays, exhibits, artwork, performances and demonstrations to inspire sustainable culture.
Mr Czechowicz will be speaking about the importance of music and meditation.
He said music can be used for relaxation and to block out the mental clutter caused by the modern hectic lifestyle.
“Many people don’t realise that we can be very busy but stay calm at the same time,” Mr Czechowicz said.
He said mental noise is thoughts that leave people feeling stressed, anxious, depressed and worried.
“We wouldn’t want to drive anywhere if our car windscreens and windows are thick with dirt and grime,” he said.
“Similarly, our social and professional life suffers when mental noise prevents us from seeing or thinking as clearly as we’d like.”
People who want to find out more about mental noise, music and meditation should visit the Sustainability Living Festival.
Hills musician Jed Rowe, who has studied with Mr Czechowicz, will also be performing some of his original songs during the festival.