The more mindful I am of my body, the easier it is to be mindful of my body. As I establish mindfulness of my body, my mind quiets; which makes it easier to be mindful of my body. With this increased awareness, playing the guitar becomes joyful. Very simple; very powerful; all you need to do is practice following your breath and during the in-breath be aware of your whole body. Then during the out-breath again be aware of your whole body. Once this is established during the in-breath release the tension in your whole body and again during the out-breath release the tension of your whole body. Two very simple, complete, and powerful exercises.
Recently, while practicing in this way I noticed that this awareness supports the Alexander Technique directions and allows myself to lengthen and widen. The lengthening and widening through AT, supports the release of tension throughout my psycho-physical system. AT is a mindfulness of the body practice that has impacted me tremendously. Establishing the mindfulness of the body by observing the breath and using gathas has been taught since the time of the Buddha. Both are powerful and are mutually supportive. Both can be practiced anywhere, with any activity. Grateful I have been exposed to both and shown how to practice.
Great observations! I find that breath awareness, good use of Primary Control (an Alexander jargon term as you probably know referring to the head/neck/back relationship), and being present in mind and body are all interconnected. By consciously letting yourself release on each exchange of breath, you renew your connection to your entire self, and regain your entire stature. It's a wonderful strategy for playing music well. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your always insightful comments Bill. It's also a wonderful strategy for playing life well. Keep breathing.
ReplyDeleteThis is simply beautiful, Patrick. Thank you so much.
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