Reflecting on what I should turn my attention to in my practice today, I thought about this being my last practice of the week. Is there some technique or piece or my overall work to which I should bring to completion? But what if this was my "last practice" ever? I do not know when my life will end, nor when an accident or disease might manifest that would change me forever. What then would I practice if I knew this was it? Would I be hard on myself or relish in the joy of making music? Would my awareness be such that I listened on a deeper level, played with greater passion?
Suppose I made the awareness of the possibility that this is my last practice an ongoing "first practice" when I sat down with my guitar? Suppose I developed this awareness of the preciousness of life as I began any activity? What might emerge from the shadows of this level of attention to the precious present moment? Music, peace, and love? Stillness, clarity, and joy? Might I be grateful for the time I have to practice, for the body that still responds well, for a beautiful instrument and life itself? One way to find out.
Photo by Ken Bosma
No comments:
Post a Comment