Performance | Milli-Rose Rubin | TEDxLondonBusinessSchool

Key Concepts

• Breaking habits and cycles
• Reconnecting with oneself
• Navigating a fast-paced world
• Returning to oneself
• Finding solace and healing through water (swimming)
• Mental health and emotional well-being
• Finding beauty in the little things
• Staying afloat amidst challenges
• Self-discovery and inner exploration

Under the Surface

• Main Topic: Breaking free from repetitive patterns and rediscovering oneself.
• Key Points:
  • The song explores the feeling of being stuck in a cycle ("running in circles").
  • It acknowledges the difficulty of understanding one's inner self ("what's going on under the surface").
  • It touches upon the frustration of doing the right things but still facing setbacks ("do the right things you still go lame").
  • The lyrics express a desire for validation and guidance ("writing save me show me I'm not going crazy").
  • The song emphasizes the importance of not losing oneself for too long and finding strength within.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "Spend enough time running in circles trying to find find my pattern."
  • "Don't slip away from myself for too long."
  • "Take me somewhere blue to soothe my skin and feel in my body again."
  • "Grin and bear it i promise it's worth it."
• Technical Terms/Concepts:
  • Breaking Cycles: Refers to the process of identifying and overcoming repetitive, often negative, patterns of behavior or thought.
  • Reconnecting with Yourself: The act of rediscovering one's true identity, values, and desires, often after a period of disconnect or confusion.

(Untitled Spontaneous Piece)

• Main Topic: Returning to oneself in a fast-paced, overwhelming world.
• Key Points:
  • The piece was created spontaneously in nature.
  • It addresses the feeling of being overwhelmed and disconnected ("I feel too numb for this").
  • It acknowledges the disruption of plans and expectations ("everything I thought I planned you ripped right out my hand").
  • The lyrics suggest a process of shedding old beliefs and embracing a new understanding ("everything I thought I knew doesn't apply with you").
  • The song emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and collecting thoughts and experiences ("I've been collecting thoughts and I've been collecting stars").
• Notable Quotes:
  • "I feel too numb for this."
  • "Everything I thought I knew doesn't apply with you."
  • "I've been collecting thoughts and I've been collecting stars and setting them free as I go."
• Real-World Application: The song resonates with individuals experiencing burnout or feeling lost in the complexities of modern life.

7 a.m. Club

• Main Topic: Finding healing and emotional support through water (swimming).
• Key Points:
  • The song explores the therapeutic benefits of swimming for mental health and well-being.
  • It acknowledges the emotional challenges and uncertainties in life ("tell me where are we landing").
  • The lyrics emphasize the importance of finding beauty in the small things and picking oneself up after setbacks ("sitting on my floor and picking up my floors but finding the beauty in the little things again").
  • The song encourages listeners to stay afloat, free their minds, and look within for strength ("stay afloat and feel it and don't drift it change it and shift it you can do it").
  • The repetition of "swimming in the deep end" symbolizes navigating challenging emotions and experiences.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "All of these twists and these turns come with learnings I can't ignore."
  • "Sitting on my floor and picking up my floors but finding the beauty in the little things again."
  • "Stay afloat and feel it and don't drift it change it and shift it you can do it."
• Technical Terms/Concepts:
  • Swimming in the Deep End: A metaphor for confronting and navigating difficult or challenging emotions and situations.
• Real-World Application: The song highlights the potential of physical activities like swimming as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The three songs presented explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and finding inner peace amidst the challenges of life. "Under the Surface" focuses on breaking free from repetitive patterns, while the untitled piece emphasizes returning to oneself in a fast-paced world. "7 a.m. Club" highlights the therapeutic power of water and the importance of staying afloat during difficult times. Together, the songs offer a message of hope, encouraging listeners to embrace self-reflection, find beauty in the small things, and cultivate inner strength.