"I call to you in longing, by the light of the moon. Billowing clouds envelope me, with absence of pain or fear, all time suspended. In the stillness of this night, peace washes over me. As I listen to the Universe, do you hear its whisper, do you feel its heartbeat? You smile inside the clouds, as we yearn to become one, lingering until the color of dawn, spills across the sky." — The Stillness of This Night by James Casey

The post Calm Pill 33 first appeared on Uplifting Pills.

This mix was released on this day 5 years ago as part of my Drifter ambient series, which I created under my previous pseudonym DJ Seroton. It was the second collaboration I have done with the talented musician Tonepoet, who creates an excellent ambient mix podcast called Spaceman's Transmissions. We gave this mix the title of “As The World Comes into Focus”. It’s essentially an exploration of our inner senses as we drift in and out of consciousness. You may recognize this feeling from a time when you drifted off to sleep and then brought back somehow to faint awakening, only to drift back afterwards into a peaceful and restful sleep. This is what Tonepoet had to say about the mix and our collaboration: "While a simple mix from myself would seem sufficient, having the partnership with the humbling DJ SEROTON is one thing that pushes this mix far over the edge. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to create 2 mixes with him (the other is DRIFTER VOL. 6). For this particular mix, I stirred up the first half of the set, and he countered my vision with an unparalleled mix of intensity, beauty, and authority. It's really nice to have someone enhance my intentions and gives a fresh vibe to the set. The unpredictability of the outcome is what provides inspiration smiles. Not only is DJ Seroton such a very cool guy and like-minded music aficionado, but his production standards of both his art and presentation are of the highest standards. I really felt that I should do my best so as to really raise the standard of what we both could offer our peace seeking listeners. I'm very confident that together we have woven the perfect texture of sound and color; using light as glue and sealing it all in a consumable format for your mind and ears. My hope is that the music brings you a sense of solitude and elation. Feel free to use the music any time you need those sensations. Peace."

Brilliant colors wash over the sky The wonder of it all brings out a sigh Clouds bathed in the rich tones at dusk Give way to a crimson, for some it's a must The elegance of the sun sinking into the sea Did God make all this especially for me? The stars emerge through the deepened sky And one by one they brighten ones eye Moonbeams dance; sparkling upon the waves This awesome sight, always brings out the raves There is a joy in viewing this scene To clarify the memory of what life means As steady as the breeze that blows from the sea I'll always cherish sunsets made special for me As constant as the pounding of the surf As sure as the green grass weaves on the turf With the certainty that the sun will rise Love will go on if seen with these eyes Fading Light by James Casey

This album is dedicated to Antonymes, an artist whose work has inspired me for years. Ian's music has been described as "rich in ambient textures and tonal arrangements that are both beautiful and haunting. If you close your eyes you can see a landscape that pulses with color and life that cannot be seen with the human eye." (Joseph Timmons, blogcritics.org) The opening track, Coming Into Silence, was Ian's contribution to a charity compilation album called Gap In Time, whose proceeds go to WHO's efforts to counteract the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. This highlights yet another side of Ian's character. His humane, down-to-earth and generous qualities shed light on the wonderful human being behind this mesmerizing music. As if this wasn't enough, Ian's an avid designer and photographer. He carved out a unique niche in photography: documenting disused properties across the UK and Europe. The cover photo of this album was shot by Ian, and is part of a great set of photos reflecting the haunting decay of abandoned buildings.

Time goes by but memories never fade. I released this mix on this day 4 years ago, a week after my best friend passed away. It is a deeply personal mix in which I tried to express a never-before-felt outpouring of grief. Somehow the tracks I've chosen had titles that told a similar story, and those words by Megan R. Bokowski were quite consoling at the time: The time soon comes for parting, And our time is at an end, The rest of your life is starting, And we have no time at all to spend. You knew one day you’d have to go, But thought you’d have more time. We can’t reverse time’s one-way flow, But at least you’ll have this rhyme. You had your shining moments, Upon this life’s darkened stage, And in my book of wonderments, You’ll never be just another page. Like the exploding of a star, You’ve changed me in and out, Your light will travel with me far, Past when all other lights go out. Drifter’s Melody by Megan R. Bokowski

I’m lost in a stream of thoughts, afraid of controlling the dark. If hope shall come to question, it’s surprise to hesitation. Whither away for memories, hide the past from destiny. It’s a lesson to hold for, to try and gain more.

This mix is inspired by one of the best ambient albums I have heard in recent memory: Kaleidoscope by none other than my good friend and previous mix collaborator Tonepoet. Released on his birthday this year, he describes it as a semi-autobiographical album representing some of life changes he has been going through. What drew me to this album, besides the phenomenal music, is the message that Tom wanted to convey about seeing the world refracted through a metaphorical kaleidoscope to see its beauty with childlike wonder and innocence. Tom has a better way with words so I'm going to cite his words describing the album below. I highly encourage you to check out and purchase his albums, and if you were to ask what other ambient mixes I recommend, his Spaceman's Transmissions mixes are the first ones I'd recommend! "The title 'Kaleidoscope' was chosen as a reference to the device used (mostly) by kids to refract the world around them and display it in a fascinatingly colorful recreation. No matter how you twist and turn the device, it yields a captivating image that for a mere moment represents your entire world. I honestly can't remember a time as a child when I thought that every single representation I created wasn't the best thing ever. While this children's toy is a symmetrical world and makes a lot of sense, the adult world is asymmetrical and seen in many different and ever changing angles. We seek to (blindly and effortlessly) navigate through the ether by jumping from one distorted angle of perceived success to the next with hopes that we land on our feet. In an attempt to feel and act grown up, we've abandoned our true inner longings and dreams, our childlike wonder and innocence. Instead of 'finding the time', MAKE the time to restore yourself back to that refracted world of enthusiasm and elation with a renewed sense of how to achieve your objectives with an innocence that is a dynamic reflection of your innocent creativity. I know that I will. Peace." Making this mix was a labor of love. If you feel like giving back, consider showing your appreciation by buying me cup of a coffee. You can also share this with your friends and rate it using your podcast app. This will make it discoverable by other people. Thank you. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=GNZN3F6X5D8TN

Holding the compass of uncertainties, Carrying the baggage of memories, The drifter is drifting along with the tides… Without boundaries or borders, Floating with the moment, The drifter is weaving timeless dreams… The journey of love and joy, Build in every pause life takes, Never holding back the voyage, The drifter survives in the passion… Miles and milestones left behind, The strides always ahead of the past, Moving forward in the distance, The drifter fades between the lines of present and future…

A guest mix on Planetarium, an ambient, drone, modern classical, chillout music promotion project by Nils Feldhus and Frank Korf, two very talented mix producers that I have come to know and appreciate over the years.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by the vicious 2019-nCoV Novel Coronavirus. I can't imagine what it feels like to be isolated and quarantined, along with your fears of the unknown. This mix is for you. I hope it eases your affliction.

"Cool night air lulls us to cast away our net defenses, and bury our weariness deep into our soft pillow. The troubles of the day are behind us, and joyful hope awaits us when remove the vale of sweet slumber."

Watching the trees turn from a uniform green to all varieties of gold, yellow and red is a spectacular experience. One can almost be blinded by the fiery brilliance. How can it be that all this beauty is sign of death and decay?

May the music of the heavens, dance around you in the air. May the gift of true contentment, glow like sunlight on your face. And may your life be truly blessed, as you start each brand new day.

A double album I created as a guest mix on AmbientMusicGuide.com. It’s inspired by The Endless, a 2018 supernatural indie film that made an impression on me. Features several tracks from the score and sprinkles key passages from the dialog throughout.

The spirit of spring rises into a blissful gate to heaven. When the sunset shields, against the vibrant contours of nature, it leaves a spectacular scenery, and a feeling of rapture.

Stop running from it all. Stop chasing all that’s wrong. Let the night keep rolling on, and watch it turn to day.

We are travelers on a cosmic journey and this moment is just a little parenthesis in eternity. If we share with caring, lightheartedness, and love this moment will have been worthwhile.

There is a sense of timelessness in the twilight, where the mundane melts away into the symphony of colours in the sky. Here's to a twilight of a happy and fulfilling new year.

Sometimes we seek absolution as a means of feeling justification. We want to feel okay, rather than remorse, about what we did wrong. This mix is the story of Absolvo.

There is comfort in reclusion. With the sensual beauty of the piano, this mix will caress you into a state of peacefulness.

It was beautiful. It was green and clean. The smell of fresh air, the sound of the river flowing. I love everything happening there, and I love it even more when this mix is in play.

"I shall have some peace here, for peace comes dropping slow. I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore. I hear it in the deep heart’s core."

This mix is an ode to my good friend Tonepoet. His original ambient productions and mixes are second to none and are always a source of inspiration to me.

We often underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, or any small act of caring, all of which can potentially turn a life around.

When peace sets over, no feeling compares. A mellow, loving feeling pervades this mix, helping you turn down the volume knob on life.

"and the sea will grant each man new hope, as sleep brings dreams of home."

Today's moments are tomorrow's memories, but sometimes we don't know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. What would you do differently if you knew?

The true joy of a moonlit night is something we no longer understand. Perhaps we can learn to appreciate its peaceful beauty and with this kind of relaxing piano music.

Every one of us has their comfort zone. This mix invites you to ponder what's beyond. Is your safest place really what you think it is?

Good night - may you fall asleep in the arms of this graceful ambient mix.

Through stained glass, ever deepening colors, slowly dusk. Enjoy the charm of sunset with this beautiful ambient mix.

When everything is moving and shifting, the only way to counteract chaos is stillness. This mix will help you do that.