I strongly second Kathy's comment. I cantor every week, and it greatly helps my spiritual life that intentionally go to one or two daily Masses throughout the week and simply pray. I don't worry about music or serving or planning anything, I just grab my missal and pray the Mass.

Now I'm a homeschooled highschooler, so my schedule is quite different than most here, but that's worked very well for me, and might for some.

I was just on another thread and we were talking about 'eat, live and breathe this stuff' in order to be excellent in our field. Well, on the other hand, we all need to get away from it all and accomplish 'mindless' (in comparison) efforts.

I find doing creative projects are extremely helpful in detoxing: I make things with wood (see organ keyhanger on this forum), hand make rosaries, paint fine art geometrics, fly kites and often have a beer. These are all things I have total control over from beginning to end; no one changes or alters my designs or plans, and there is a definite beginning and end to each project with tangible results and a sense of accomplishment; a good balance to the intensity of playing and directing from the organ and trying to manage the constant unknowns and game changers that go along with a music position, dealing with personalities, moods, changing schedules, job descriptions, personnel, etc.

Also, I have learned to throw a few boomerangs to keep people guessing and not take my self too seriously. e.g. One visiting priest came in a few months ago just before Mass and said, "I don't like singing! No hymns for offertory or communion. I want it quiet!" I immediately shot back to him, "Father, you are man of my own thinking! I can't stand much music either! You've got it! Just quiet organ music at those spots."

Well, he kind of looked at me with disbelief and walked sheepishly away noticeably somewhat stunned, and I could see his perplexed mind ruminating, "Odd, I thought he was the DoM".

When you can, go to mass at another parish noted for good music and be the PIP that we all hope for. Get outdoors! Take in the incredible beauty of God's creation. As you age, study and read more than you did as a graduate student and then pass on what you've learned to a young person who just might become inspired to try this vocation.

stagnation?

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I wish I could go to another Mass with my family when I'm not on the job, unfortunately I play 4 Masses including Sat. evening so that really isn't an option since the Sunday evening Mass is all "upbeat, contemporary" music in each local parish that offers a Sunday evening. I'm hoping it gets easier as they get older, but for not it's very stressful on my wife being a single parent when I'm on the bench.

A weekday Mass and adoration are certainly the next best options. And while I don't do it faithfully every day, I love praying the liturgy of the hours where I can chant as much as I want to!