I was finally able to sleep in a couple of extra hours today. The Holiday demands of both my professional and personal life now being met. Yesterday I woke with an invading microbe looking to live within my body. So I did slip in some rest yesterday, while still tending to our Christmas celebration.
Today I needed to rest, and I have. A gentle morning followed by an afternoon nap. A cold, windy, and snowy Sunday keeping me inside to rest and stay warm. Earlier, while resting, I was reflecting on why I play music? On some level I know the answer, yet today I found it a good time to reflect on how I live my life.
So in my journal I asked the question - "What are my motivations for making music?"
- The healing that my practice of music has given me.
- The healing that my practice of music has given others.
- My love of learning and the different opportunities my study
of music has exposed to me.
- The joy, peace, and sense of well being my practice brings to
me.
- The wonderful and amazing people, to whom this pursuit has
introduced me.
After writing this I picked up my guitar for the first time since early Friday morning. Gently allowing the opening notes of Gathered Hearts to resonate as I sang along. Making no great demands on myself, I was just playing and listening. As I allowed my body to release with the Alexander Technique directions, the tone of my guitar sweetened. Moving onto Dancin' Free I watched the swirling snow through my window. Pausing at times to hear certain intervals of this piece, I sang them, and then resumed my playing. Forgetting my tiredness as I connected with Music; my body, heart, & mind united in the moment. Yes this is why I play.
Thank you for playing, for just continuing to do it daily as the reasons grow and shift.
ReplyDeleteAmen, to all of that, Patrick. Thank you for taking the time to think of and post those reasons. I can connect with all of them. And I am also grateful that I have met you through your music.
ReplyDelete-Erica