I give myself strength by staying away from any music.

Hearken, seekers of the inner self, to the words of Alannah Myles, who spoke with quiet courage: "I give myself strength by staying away from any music." In these words lies a meditation on the paradox of mastery and restraint, on the discipline of the soul, and the subtle power of withdrawal. Myles teaches that true strength often arises not from indulgence, but from deliberate abstinence, from the careful guarding of the self against forces that stir passion, emotion, or distraction.

The first revelation is that restraint fosters clarity. Music, though often uplifting and inspiring, possesses the power to move the heart, stir the spirit, and awaken deep emotions. For one attuned to heightened sensitivities, immersion in such influence may fracture focus, scatter energy, or amplify vulnerability. By choosing silence, Myles preserves a reservoir of inner strength, cultivating the mind and spirit as a vessel capable of deliberate action and reflection.

History provides mirrors of this discipline. Consider Ludwig van Beethoven, who, in the final years of his life, experienced profound deafness. He withdrew from the constant performance and applause of the world, focusing inward. In this silence, he forged works of immense power and clarity, compositions that resonated not from external stimulation, but from the depths of self-mastery and introspection. Restraint, far from weakness, became his conduit to enduring strength.

Myles’ insight also illuminates the tension between passion and control. The soul, like a finely tuned instrument, may be overstimulated by external forces. To cultivate strength, one must sometimes deny pleasure, limit indulgence, and choose solitude over distraction. In abstaining from music, Myles demonstrates that true empowerment arises not from constant engagement, but from intentional withdrawal and the preservation of inner resources.

This principle extends beyond music to all arenas of life. Great leaders, scholars, and sages have often sought periods of silence, solitude, and restraint to strengthen judgment and fortitude. Mahatma Gandhi, for instance, practiced silence to deepen focus, self-discipline, and clarity of purpose. In these moments of withdrawal, strength was gathered, and the capacity for action—calm, deliberate, and effective—was magnified.

The metaphor of music as both nourishment and distraction teaches a timeless lesson: not all that inspires empowers, and not all that delights sustains. By discerning when to embrace and when to abstain, one cultivates discernment, resilience, and self-mastery. Strength is often not in engagement alone, but in the deliberate choices that guard energy, focus, and integrity.

Practically, the lesson is to seek periods of intentional silence or restraint in your own life. Identify sources of emotional or mental stimulation that, though pleasurable, may fragment focus or dissipate strength. Withdraw thoughtfully, reflect, and conserve energy for endeavors that demand clarity, endurance, and wisdom. In doing so, the self is fortified, and capacity for purposeful action is expanded.

Thus, let this teaching echo through the generations: true strength arises not only through exertion, but through the conscious choice of abstinence. By staying away from music, or any force that disperses attention and emotion, one cultivates clarity, endurance, and the power to act decisively. In restraint lies a reservoir of inner fortitude, a silent wellspring from which the soul draws courage, insight, and mastery over both self and circumstance.