Posted by llrrrpp on July 21, 2006, at 9:07:05
In reply to Re: Having trouble meditating *suicide trigger*, posted by Declan on July 18, 2006, at 19:16:11
> G'day Lurps
> You play a musical instrument. When you do, when it goes well, do you find that is like meditation in that you are ummmm what's the words?..in the moment? not thinking? absorbed in what you are doing?
> DeclanHi Declan,
I've just come back from vacation. not a lot of opportunities to meditate. But I feel a lot better than I have in a long time :)I'm impressed you remember I'm a musician! I haven't been playing much since June (when orchestra season ended). There are times when I'm performing that I can let myself go. Kind of like what sports psychologists call "Flow". Just to be in the music, and let the music control you. Not to think, just to let it happen. This is pretty awesome. I reserve this experience to performances.
I cannot do my regular violin practice like this. My practicing has to be methodical and conscious. Often my mind wanders, and I have to lasso it back in and remember what my practice goal is (some tricky fingering, or perhaps an awkward rhythm). The daily practice requires a constant discipline of thought, particularly when playing a piece that I already know well. It's too easy to just go on autopilot, thinking about lunch... Instead there has to be a firm push to bring the conscious mind to the task at hand. 15 minutes of conscious practice can be more effective than a week of "playing" violin.
Stop the violins!
-ll
poster:llrrrpp
thread:660755
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20060614/msgs/668912.html