I think of it as being in "the zone." Simultaneous awareness of what I'm doing along with noticing what else is going on with the other musicians and participants of the music (and dance? depending on the venue.)

For me music and dance are just pathways to the Divine that is within me and within you... there are so many pathways... and I grok more with some than others...

I try to not to create the experience - rather choosing to just let it be - to let it become as natural as a breath or a kiss or a sigh...

Music and dance just facilitate the process for me, I suppose.

I am also amazed at those moments when I am sharing music or dance with others, and suddenly I am spinning, dancing, smiling, breathing, spinning, harmonizing, grooving with the great wonder of the universe.

Actually, that first cup of coffee in the morning has been known to evoke a similar experience of wonder.

Namaste

Denny DJ EaZy Body ElectriK Radio ( www.bodyelectrik.com )

I find if I'm not feeling connected, taking my guitar to a natural place will do it very well. Nature responds to the music, and it's always touching when you get a very leafy "applause" at the end of a piece, or have birds coming around to sing backup. I find that after I feel refreshed and my music feels more genuine.

I agree with the channelling, or being in the zone or plugged-in but I prefer to view playing and writing music as being a conduit with which energy (God, the light, the universe, etc) moves through us. I'm just a vehicle for the flow :) John Lennon was hip when he said "once I write a song and its out - I no longer own it , now belongs to everyone" -(paraphrased). I feel like writing can be like birthing! Its going be what its going be and once you have the kid it has to make its own way in the world and be what it is. Sometimes music just divinely manifest and other times you have to nourish and gently foster it. Playing and singing TO the universe is always a beautiful way to connect.
While I'm on the subject - CREATION in general is GODliness. Any act of creating anything is an expression of the universe and divine in its own right. Any judgement attached such as its good or bad or whatever is purely subjective.

To be totally present, when my heart and mind are in harmony.
When this happens, my drums are merely an extension, an expression of this balance.
I too like to call this the "Zone" sometimes, or a "Space" and theres' a clarity here because I'm present with myself, my musical instrument and my audience.
When it's completely happening, it's AMAZING.
Of course this is elusive, I have to be patient and open to receive it, then it will arrive like a cool breeze.
The Zone is different everytime, this is what's wonderful about it, it's new every time.
-Eric