PAUSE

PAUSE. So many of us want to sing well so badly that we tie ourselves in knots, or, as my Grandmother used to say "go about it like you're killing snakes" You know what I mean! It's negative intensity - the 'mean face' of concentration that eeks toward frustration. The bearing down. INTENSE EFFORT. Ahhhhhhh!

I've had lessons with a few students lately where this came up. Just the other day a student was working a new (and particularly tricky) exercise and drove through it like a bull dozer, (complete with the mean face!) re-forging the exact same territory the instant they didn't like the way it felt. I was surprised at the intensity of effort and the many, many times the student attempted the exercise over the course of just a few seconds. It didn't seem to me they were having very much fun, and the process wasn't especially helpful.

May I suggest the pause button? Remember, we want to maintain the attitude of experimentation! I find practice is much more effective if I go about it slowly and with curiosity. Attempt your exercise and then PAUSE. What worked? What didn't? Could you try it differently? Most importantly, take the time and space to BREATHE and reset. Breathing and resetting helps set us up for success and growth. Keep in mind that in practice we're developing new coordination, new muscle memory (or even more difficult, overcoming OLD muscle memory). It takes gentle and consistent effort over time! Remember, to EASY DOES IT!! Where the hard way doesn't do it, EASY often does! Be nice to yourself. You're learning something new! #easydoesit #pause #breathe