Archive - April, 2012
The Myth of “Free Time”
“I can’t wait for a day off…”
Ever find yourself saying this? I know I do, and it seems like it’s going to be blissful. I will finally get to relax, renew, clear my mind and be rested up for the next busy phase of work and obligations. The longer the stretch of open time, the better.
Or, do you dream of a free week or even a month of time with no demands made on you so you can tackle something you have been putting off? I have done that, too. Some tasks are so big and important to me that I have dreamed of the “blank slate” that only this vast expanse of free time will provide. There are even stories to support this, of times when artists “disappeared” for a while, only to emerge transformed, like butterflies.
Movies and books focusing on the archetypical “coming of age” story will usually condense this life-changing transformation into a collage of images over a few minutes, such as Rocky’s workouts or Luke Skywalker’s exile with Yoda. We really love the idea of metamorphosis taking place out of sight, with a triumphant return of the hero.
Recently, I’ve come to realize that not only are these stories untrue for me, but that they are literally opposite of what I need to do to keep growing.
The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be
Preconception: an opinion about something that you form before you have a lot of information about it or experience of it
-Macmillan Dictionary
We spend a great amount of time believing, talking about, and even trying to convince others about ideas that we really haven’t explored for ourselves. One of the most important of these for musicians is our method of learning and practice. (That is, if we actually have one.) Operating with the wrong information can prevent progress and cause us to become discouraged.
A Little Nudge
The uses of positive feedback
Most of us sincerely want to grow and change for the better, but often find ourselves frustrated and stagnant in our habits. Let’s take a look at how the mechanism of positive feedback can benefit us, getting us moving in new and exciting directions. But remember: I am not a doctor. (though I do play one on TV)
