We teach our piano students how to be mindful when they practice.
What does this mean?
This means that while you practice, you may do two things to stay present and focused:
1. observe your thoughts without judgment
2. focus on one element of practice to get into a relaxed state of mind
When people practice, their minds tend to wander and the goal becomes, “I just want to get through” the music or the practice session as quickly as possible. These wandering thoughts can create impatience and frustration as the mistakes begin to mount.
The first thing to do is to recognize that you want to be somewhere else other than in the present moment. Simply acknowledge that thought as it arises. Then, just observe any thoughts that come to you like, “I’m never going to learn this,” “I wish I could play like [some master of the instrument here],” “I can’t do this,” etc.
Just allow the thoughts to come up rather than trying to resist them. As you practice observing your thoughts without judgment, you can really transform an average practice session into something more creative and fulfilling.
Next, try the following “Practice Lifelines”:
1. practice less material (work on one measure instead of two measures)
2. separate the hands (if you play keyboard, for example)
3. play slower (use the metronome to help keep the tempo slower)
Those three steps allow you to drop into a calmer state in which your mind can actually focus on one particular element at a time.
For example, if you’re playing a two measure spot with just the right hand, try doing any of the following exercises as you play. Do these steps until you feel ease.
1. play and name the notes out loud
2. play and say the fingering numbers
3. play and say the letters of notes that are unclear out loud
4. play and count out loud
Practicing a musical instrument has the power to help you become aware of your thoughts as they arise. If you have ways to bring mindfulness into the practice, you will be amazed at your creativity and musicality.
Even if you don’t play an instrument, you can see how these ideas can help you in any creative venture.
With mindfulness comes awareness that is beyond thoughts. Last week, I was wrapping up a lesson with a student in which we were applying these principles. Suddenly, I was literally drawn outside into the rain with my camera to this brilliant orange lily. I don’t usually take my camera outside in the rain and I don’t normally think about taking photos after I teach.
Here is the image that resulted. The inspiration just came and it brought me a lot of joy to just take the photo. In fact, it drew more response on our Facebook page than any other photo we’ve posted to this point.
