Twice I have picked up my guitar today. The first time after a nap and feeling yucky I began to play and listen to a single note. I do this often, as a way to focus my listening, and to wake up. Then I began an improvisation that quickly turned into noodling. Yet the noodling was joyful so I continued. No seriousness was needed at this moment of time. Probably never is needed, but certainly not now. A few surprises inspired me during this noodling, as years of practicing various exercises sometimes come together providing nourishment for future hours of work.
The second time, I was more mindful of my approach. I knew when I picked up my case and placed it on the bed. I was aware of lifting her from the case. We sat together for a few minutes before I played. Lead with the mind was the phrase spoken by Philip Hutton's sensai in the novel that then led me. I played, just played a piece inspired by my brother. Noticing I was in a special place, I played another piece. I repeated one of the lines a few times in this piece as it needed to be refreshed.
Before beginning another piece I recalled an instruction given by Robert on a course once Play like the world depended on it! And so I did.
