Is a discussion of the nature of "truth" not a musical thread? I would hope that anyone playing, singing or writing music would have spent some time pondering the nature of what is true.

There are many ways to improve as a "player" One is to work on your technique. Another is to work on your knowledge and understanding of your art. One way that is often overlooked is to work on your "self". As Mason Williams once said, "it's a cheap trick, but it works."

By the way - I am relatively new to this forum but enjoy greatly the spirit of the discourse. It is truly a rare and precious thing.

One last thought: The conflict between truth-telling and compassion lessens when we stop insisting on "the" truth and remember that all we ever have for certain is "our" truth.