What Happens When You Live Out The Examen? Featuring Mike Shimamoto

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Mike Shimamoto shares his journey with music, which began in his church's charismatic community. He discusses the profound impact of worship music on his emotions and how it became a powerful tool for spiritual connection. Mike's path was marked by personal struggles and the unwavering support of his community, leading him to a career in music that prioritized faith and service. He emphasizes the importance of daily examen, a Jesuit practice of meditation and prayer, which has been instrumental in his life, providing clarity and purpose. Mike's story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring strength of faith.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Mike Shimamoto's journey with music began in church at a young age, influenced by his older brother and the powerful impact of Christian worship music.
• 🏆 Despite being involved in sports and academics, Mike's deep connection with praise music grew stronger during his school years, leading him to perform in various masses.
• ❤️ Mike's love for music is rooted in its ability to evoke emotions and provide a sense of energy, which he discovered during his first exposure to worship music.
• 🙏 Mike's faith and personal struggles, including his father's illness, played a significant role in his life, shaping his relationship with God and his approach to music.
• 🎵 Mike's music is not just a career but a form of communication and a way to connect with a higher power, as he believes in singing for an 'audience of one'.
• 🌟 Mike's decision to pursue music was solidified during a high school concert where he felt a profound sense of freedom and connection with his audience.
• 🚫 Mike has no regrets about his career choices, staying true to his values and beliefs, even when faced with opportunities in mainstream music.
• 🧘‍♂️ Mike practices daily meditation and examination of conscience, a habit formed from his Jesuit education, which helps him maintain perspective and peace.
• 🌈 The song 'Blessings' by Laura Story resonates with Mike, as it reminds him of God's presence during challenging times and the transformative power of hardships.
• 🙌 Mike's music and message aim to inspire hope and remind listeners of the blessings that can come through life's most difficult moments.

Q & A

What was Mike Shimamoto's first experience with Christian music?

Mike's first experience with Christian music was at a prayer meeting in his parish's charismatic community where they played worship music from Hillsong.

How did Mike Shimamoto's involvement in music grow during his school years?

Mike's involvement in music grew as he was invited to sing at different school masses, eventually leading to school-wide masses, deepening his connection with praise music.

What was the turning point for Mike Shimamoto in realizing the power of music?

The turning point was when Mike experienced how music could shift his mood and emotions, giving him a sense of its potency.

How did Mike Shimamoto's faith influence his career choices?

Mike's faith played a significant role in his career choices, as he felt guided by a higher presence and was conscious of aligning his professional path with his spiritual beliefs.

What is the significance of the 'audience of one' concept in Mike Shimamoto's performances?

The 'audience of one' concept signifies that while performing, Mike is ultimately singing for one person or intention, which makes the song true for him and allows for a genuine connection with God.

What was a pivotal moment for Mike Shimamoto in his high school concert that shaped his future in music?

A pivotal moment was when a friend thanked Mike after a concert, expressing that he was able to pray because of Mike's performance, which made Mike realize the core of the music he wanted to pursue.

How does Mike Shimamoto practice discernment in his daily life?

Mike practices discernment through daily meditation and prayer, starting with gratitude, then repentance, discerning his will, and ending with adoration and thanksgiving.

What is the role of examen in Mike Shimamoto's life according to the script?

Examen plays a crucial role in Mike's life by providing him with a bigger view on his experiences, recentering him, and reminding him of his core purpose and identity.

Why did Mike Shimamoto choose to sing 'Blessings' by Laura Story during the interview?

Mike chose to sing 'Blessings' because it reminds him that even in hard times, God is present, and it offers hope by reframing trials as blessings and mercies.

What message does Mike Shimamoto wish to convey through his music and career?

Mike wishes to convey that music can be a powerful tool for connection, healing, and spiritual growth, and that his career should always reflect the core values instilled in him by his faith and personal experiences.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Early Influences and the Power of Praise Music

In the first paragraph, Mike Shimamoto shares his journey into music, which began in his church's charismatic community. As a young boy, he was drawn to the worship music played during prayer meetings, particularly from Hillsong. He describes the profound emotional impact this music had on him, noting its power to shift moods and provide energy. Mike's involvement in sports and academics during his grade school years did not deter him from exploring the depths of praise music. His experiences singing in school masses and feeling the love of God and his community during a challenging period in his life, including his father's illness, solidified his path in music. He emphasizes that music was never a career option for him but a form of communication and a way to connect with God and others.

05:01

🎵 The Transformative Role of Music in Spiritual Growth

Paragraph two delves into Mike's spiritual growth and how music played a pivotal role in his connection with God and others. He discusses the unique experience of singing in church, where the music not only entertains but also leads people to God, often without their conscious awareness. Mike reflects on the responsibility he feels as a performer to engage and lead his audience while maintaining a focus on his spiritual purpose. He shares a pivotal moment when a friend thanked him after a concert, expressing gratitude and love, which clarified for Mike that his future musical endeavors should always center around this core message of love and connection. He acknowledges his imperfections and the challenges he's faced but expresses no regrets, as he has always tried to keep God at the center of his life and career choices.

10:03

🧘‍♂️ The Practice of Examen and Its Impact on Personal Life

In the third paragraph, Mike introduces the concept of 'Examen,' a practice he learned from his Jesuit education, which involves daily meditation and prayer. He describes his routine of starting with gratitude, recognizing blessings, repenting for shortcomings, and seeking wisdom and discernment. Mike explains how this practice has been life-changing, allowing him to maintain perspective and stay connected to his core values amidst the pressures and concerns of daily life. He views Examen as a way to recharge and reconnect with his true self, which in turn helps him to better serve others through his music and faith.

15:04

🎶 The Message of 'Blessings' and Its Significance

Paragraph four focuses on Mike's choice to perform 'Blessings' by Laura Story, a song that carries a profound message about finding God's presence in times of hardship. He recounts the first time he heard the song in church and how it challenged his perception of God's role during difficult times. The song's lyrics question the idea that blessings and healing only come through pleasant circumstances, suggesting that trials and pain might be part of God's plan to show mercy and love. Mike's rendition of the song is meant to offer hope and remind listeners that even in the midst of challenges, God is present, walking with them and providing strength.

20:09

🙏 Closing Thoughts and Prayers

In the final paragraph, Mike concludes the interview with a heartfelt rendition of 'Blessings,' emphasizing the song's themes of hope and the presence of God in difficult times. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences and music, and he sends prayers and well-wishes to the viewers. The interview ends with a call to action for viewers to seek blessings and wisdom, and to trust in God's plan even when it's not clear. Mike's performance and the interview as a whole serve to inspire and provide comfort to those facing challenges, reinforcing the message that trials can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of God's love.

Keywords

💡Inspirational Music

Inspirational music refers to songs that uplift and motivate listeners, often with messages of hope, faith, or personal growth. In the video, the artist discusses how his journey with music began in a church setting, where he was deeply moved by the power of Christian worship music from Hillsong. This music had a profound impact on him, shifting his mood and emotions, and ultimately leading him to a career in music that is centered around inspiration and faith.

💡Discernment

Discernment is the process of carefully and thoughtfully making judgments or coming to a decision, often in spiritual or moral matters. The artist in the video speaks about the importance of discernment in his life, particularly in making career choices that align with his faith and values. He learned this practice from his Jesuit education and uses it daily through meditation and prayer to ensure his actions and decisions are in line with his core beliefs.

💡Praise Music

Praise music is a genre of Christian music that is specifically designed to express adoration and worship towards God. In the context of the video, the artist shares his deep connection with praise music, which he discovered in his youth through his involvement in church activities. This type of music played a pivotal role in his spiritual journey and his decision to pursue a career in music that conveys messages of faith and inspiration.

💡Examen

The Examen is a form of prayerful reflection developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. It involves reviewing one's day to recognize God's presence and discern his will. The artist describes his practice of the Examen, which includes expressing gratitude, acknowledging shortcomings, and seeking wisdom. This practice is central to his daily life, helping him stay connected to his faith and maintain a sense of purpose and direction.

💡Vocation

A vocation is a person's calling or career, often in a spiritual or moral sense, indicating a path one feels they are meant to follow. The video's theme touches on the artist's vocation in music, which was influenced by his early experiences with church music and his desire to use his talents to inspire and connect with others on a spiritual level.

💡Charismatic Community

A Charismatic Community is a group within the Christian church that emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit, often characterized by vibrant worship and a focus on spiritual gifts. The artist mentions that his brother was invited to join such a community, which sparked his own interest in church activities and his eventual path into music.

💡Meditation

Meditation, in the context of the video, refers to a practice of focused attention and reflection to increase self-awareness and spiritual connection. The artist describes his daily meditation practice, which includes gratitude, repentance, and adoration, as a way to stay centered and connected to his faith amidst the challenges and demands of his career.

💡Presence of Love

The 'Presence of Love' is a concept that the artist reflects on, indicating the feeling of being surrounded and supported by love, particularly divine love. He mentions experiencing this throughout his life, which has been a source of strength and guidance, especially during difficult times.

💡Blessings in Disguise

The phrase 'blessings in disguise' is used to describe situations that may initially seem negative or challenging but ultimately lead to positive outcomes or personal growth. The artist sings a song that encapsulates this idea, suggesting that hardships and trials can be a form of divine mercy and a path to knowing God more deeply.

💡Music as a Language

The artist views music as a form of communication that transcends words, describing it as a 'language' that can express deep emotions and connect people. This perspective is evident in his choice to pursue a career in music that is rooted in his faith and his desire to use music to inspire and uplift others.

Highlights

Influence of church and Christian music on Mike Shimamoto's life and music choices.

Mike's early exposure to Hillsong worship music and its impact on his emotional connection.

The power of music to shift moods and energies, as experienced by Mike.

Mike's journey from sports to discovering the depth of praise music.

The role of faith and personal struggles in shaping Mike's career path.

The importance of community and support during Mike's challenging teenage years.

Mike's realization of music as a language of communication and connection with God.

The life-changing experience of singing and witnessing a spiritual conversation.

Mike's decision to prioritize music that aligns with his spiritual core.

Reflection on personal regrets and the importance of openness in Mike's life.

The practice of examen as a daily ritual for Mike, influenced by Jesuit education.

The transformative effect of examen on Mike's life, providing peace and purpose.

Mike's approach to discerning God's will through examen and meditation.

The significance of maintaining one's core identity and purpose amidst life's challenges.

Mike's rendition of Laura Story's 'Blessings' and its message of finding God in hardships.

The importance of recognizing God's presence in both blessings and trials.

Mike's prayer for his audience and his hopes for future visits to the campus.

Transcripts

[Music]

if I am going to ask someone to share

how the examiners greatly influenced his

life and his choice of music I have no

other in mind than him he's very popular

especially in YouTube singing praise

music either solo or with his band

where's the shield know more about him

and his choices and what's best he'll

sing for us

welcome this is father Jay were on the

line with Mike shimamoto

stay with me so who and what influential

to choose inspirational music the

beginning of my journey was really

started in church I am the youngest of

two brothers I was around 10 years old

so fairly young when my brother was

invited to join our parish by

charismatic community the youth life in

this period

well he's five years older than I am so

I was much too young fella get to join

technically at all I found it so unfair

that he was being permitted to go so I

threw the biggest time film but a

messiah I just really wanted to

experience what a prayer meeting was

that a Merville Caesarea where I'm from

Our Lady a beautiful love we have a very

good music ministry and that was really

the first time when they started playing

Christian music worship music from

Hillsong it was my first experience of

music but really kinda felt different

and had this different power to it I

genuinely fell in love with music I fell

in love with the power that it had to

make you feel you know when when you're

feeling a particular kind of emotion

when you're feeling frustrated Restless

when I'm sad the music had this kind of

potency to be able to shift your mood

we import some kind of energy and I fell

in love with it in grade school onion

powder I was I was in basketball and I

did a bit of track so it was more of

sports and trying to keep up with

academic I think I were in grade seven

conformation I sang a song just

invincible year and I was acquiesced -

so you answer but an afternoon he just

started inviting the answer jump up

certified these different school masses

until the king school-wide masses - ah I

just I just kept going deeper and deeper

into just the power of praise music and

obviously this was also the time that I

was really falling in love with God and

also discover in my faith if you would

review your lives what are the things

that you are grateful for that really

made you pay your choosing this career

path if there is one thing that that you

will always remember the Lord marching

its journey it was really just the

overwhelming presence of love that I

experienced throughout my life when I

was I think like 11 years old and then

four until I was college I was serving

every Saturday I was but that was also

really the years when things were very

difficult for me personally and for my

my father got sick and it was just a

really long period of trying to navigate

that time and my mother being just

extremely heroic tried to raise my

brother and I by herself Bethabara

it was definitely you know not an easy

time for us physically emotionally

spiritually it was very challenging but

you know I really felt throughout my

life being guided and there were so many

people in our community who made us feel

we were cared for and you know I

remember just but I'm gonna kiss a boy

like music was never a career option for

me it was more of than a language it was

a space of communication and I felt as

asked as you know right now all of my

friends saying I'm Adele Belliveau

I have a hard time kind of truly

articulating how I feel

well I grew up in church and so I've

always been introduced to like the

concept of the audience of one you had

in the in the moment of performance yes

you have a responsibility to your

audience to engage them to lead them but

ultimately you're singing for that one

person or that one intention that makes

it that makes the song true for you so I

was definitely just fully engaged in

singing at the hundreds in a specific

version but to witness that there was a

conversation happening between not only

myself and God but the other person and

whatever they were going through it was

life-changing but I'm free to be part of

that it was nothing I've ever

experienced before because you know part

of music really especially in church the

difference between music in church and

you know this pop music is that people

don't know is that when you see or will

you leave people in singing

it can you feed people in seeing if you

lead people to God you are either

without people knowing that you are

actually leading them and also how do

you know we that you are leading people

because what you know you are being dead

by God absurd is really led people to

breathe you what was always told to us

is that we are near but on mirrors you

know we were we reflect the light and

when you know you've done your job the

best way possible I definitely thought

of pursuing a career in music

and mainstream it was the it was the

usual thing now when you get there

you're presented projects and

of your even given a contract with the

certain amount like a figure I was

handed her this patent give a reasonable

but an entry point gonna I was gonna be

part of so popular and then a kind of

singing career record and I just

remembered I'm going through that entire

I was constantly listening and

reflecting and what kind of dawned on me

is that why doesn't this feel like the

music I said we did the concert in the

land and it was just kind of like a last

hurrah for high school attend a or high

school has meant so much to me and I

don't formed so much of who I was and

also my music I wanted to kind of give

back but I remember distinctly in that

moment in that concert I felt so free

music felt so freeing and so colorful

and so powerful we were just having fun

I love me I don't we were in time on

trying to like send a message in pinyin

but it was really more of a celebration

better pairing at the end of it I had a

friend approached me he placed his his

hand on my shoulder and said thank you

and I was able to pray and that wasn't

really them on the purpose but then when

he said that I love you embarrass

something click inside that means like

that this is what I want whatever music

I pursue in the future it should always

have this at its core do you have any

regrets in you know life that would that

could have been you know important

especially your career choices I mean

you know definitely my life hasn't been

perfect I am the first one to claim that

I am very limited and I have so many

flaws I do know that through every stage

of my life I've tried to put God at the

core and I know how that sounds um but

it's it's really genuine there were a

lot of opportunities and a lot of it

moments where I could have pursued

something more whether it was a car

Vienna and in showbiz or two to live

somewhere else and to migrate and

whatnot I was always trying to be

conscious of what his will was for me so

I have no regrets

in terms of the choices I made

professionally all of the ridicule that

we had going into where's the sheep for

example but I remember the now an

uncommon among a Radiohead's I say we

were trying to put among a Christian

songs on the radio but I don't really

have regrets for that if anything I wish

I was a lot more open I guess with with

the people in my life I was definitely

well I guess I still AM Young had the

personality now I wanted to shoulder

most of the burden but I was trying to

keep kind of like a very close border

with myself I wish I shared more like I

felt that there were so many people who

wanted to know and to also be a part of

my experience but all I was a lot you

know I wasn't as as open as I should

have been and who knows what we could

have created if only we allowed

something like that you know that's also

part of your people get to be curious

about you because that's how I know you

do you don't but don't come for other

things but but you cannot you cannot

glean anything about your personal life

but that's who you are you know it's

something that is also a gift it is

important that we'll be able to get hold

of who you are even your problems

because to me there are things that are

really very private right yes

talk about the examine those are really

steps that we've taught many students

you know if you do that every day

getting to see how God is working in

your life or the thing that you've

missed how would it help you as you move

on to to the path you're ready for me

I know Karen I'm so excited to talk

about this with you really genuinely in

all honesty discernment examine the more

most important lessons I learned from 16

years of Jesuit education as I started

in prep I hey I graduated college in

that email I said every morning I do I

do meditation and per year I do

I started out like 10 to 15 minutes but

now I'm like 32 and hour 30 minutes to

an hour just in kind of quiet reflective

meditation and player and my prayer has

like you know kind of the same steps and

six hour I start off with gratitude

and what I'm grateful for I recognize

but on the blessings that I have that I

sleep in a hospitable bed I believe over

my head and then I I do repent on the

bottom for all of the shortcomings that

I've had intention I identify the things

like I always ask for wisdom and

knowledge to discern his will but also

for patients and and open their thus

pattern with the rest of the time it's

more of adoration and Thanksgiving and I

learned that from really being exposed

to years of but I examine it's really

changed my life

[Music]

there's just so much so much

responsibility placed on you and my

practice of examine of meditation and

prayer it kind of allows me to take up a

bigger view on my experiences to

recenter me into what I feel is my core

but I mean you know again like the the

gesture that I no concept of not going

back to your wife and I feel like that's

always helped me and so there are so

many things to worry about

so many things to have to be anxious

about but when you go back to that core

of who you are and what you're doing

this for it makes things so much more

bearable and it reminds you of why

you're doing these things

and I feel like you know in in just

taking 5-10 minutes out of your day to

just kind of go back into your body it

just allows me to come back to Who I am

and to Remember Who I am so that I can

kind of gather myself again and prepare

to give it away again and I feel like

examine for me is like that it's like

I'm getting recharged

back this is you've said that the effect

of the examine actually gives you peace

yeah very well he said that you find

yourself collected behind a bucolic

deposit every day like a pelican are

always covered because there are many

concerns and some that you lose who you

are and common three gathers you go

there's a certain experience of whole

men's doing the exam and actually gives

you meaning and purpose

yeah and that would move you towards

direction and these are the three things

that are very very important especially

if you begin to do to grab wherever

you'll be know where God wants it to be

about definitely a gallon car you'll be

happy and because our a piece and at the

same time it's also such a great litmus

test if you find yourself constantly

unhappy or frustrated or restless and of

days of that and you go back to the exam

and you go back to who you are and and

your purpose you're able to discern the

pattern cycle and click back of a vena

go upward if it's really not something

aligned with I feel is you know where I

should what I should do then it allows

you in a power outlet it's not as

important as I thought it was

the time the song that I will be singing

is a song by Laura story of blessing and

it's it's really a song about who it's

such a what the first time I heard it in

church it was such a controversial

message for me I said you know the the

chorus goes what if your blessings come

through AngelList what if your healing

comes through tears what if a thousand

sleepless nights are what it takes to

know you're near and what the trials of

this life are Your mercies in this guy

and I think it's just because it's human

nature that when we're put in conflict

and in times of hardship God really

seems far away and it really seems as if

he's taken himself apart from us this

song constantly reminds me that even in

the hard times God is there and in his

infinite wisdom walking with us crying

with us feeling our pain gives us hope

so

I will do a rendition of this which I

recorded that would be sharing with all

of you the this the campus there is

really so memorable to me and I can't

wait to see how it's changed and

hopefully we can come visit again but

I'm praying for all of you and all the

work that you're doing for their day

bring it so I get Bahrami marami Salama

thank you thank you so much for this so

I so Mikey my motto

[Music]

we pray for blessings we pray for

[Music]

comfort for family protection why we we

pray for Haley for Prosperity we pray

for your mighty hand to Mesa

[Music]

[Music]

you hear it okay

he loved us way too much to give us

lesson eight

cuz what if your blessings coming

through drops but if your healing comes

through tears what if a thousand

sleepless tiny to what it takes to know

your knee

[Music]

what if trails of this life are Your

mercies in disguise

[Music]

we pray for wisdom your boys to hear we

cry and anger when fuuu we got your

goodness

we're down as if every promise from the

word is not enough and you hear each

desperately and long that we'd have

faith to

[Music]

cause what if your blessings coming

through drops but if your healing comes

through tears what if the flowers and

stainless nights a word

it takes to know

what if trust of this life are Your

mercies in disguise when friends

betrayed us when darkness seems that

pain this is not this is not

[Music]

there's what if your blessings come

through raindrops what if your healing

comes through tears what if a thousand

sleepless nights a what it takes and

what if my greatest disappointment all

the Incans of this life is the revealing

all the great things this world

[Music]

what if trials of this leg the rain the

storms the hardest nights are your

season

this girl

[Music]

[Music]

thank you very much the like a Mikey

Mamata for a very inspiring interview

and a moving rendition of Laura storeys

blessings I am praying for you as well

and to all of you thank you for watching

so for more videos like this click the

button down below and subscribe

this is father J boy on the line I'll

see you next time

[Music]