Exploring connections between music, mindfulness, and the body.

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I wrote a new blog post! . (Well, technically I wrote half a new blog post, remembered I had already written a similar post, and decided to re-post the old post because it was better than the new post.) . This one’s about staying open to possibility as learn music and prepare for performance. It’s also about taxidermy, tracking, and learning to let more life in, onstage and off. . Link in profile. . . . #mindfulpractice #mindfulperformance #taxidermy #tracking #musicaltracking True story. . (This is code for: I am working on a new blog post and it is going slowly...not really any slower than usual, but every time feels like the slowest...) . . . #trusttheprocess #beinginprocess #firstdraft #shittyfirstdraft #themagicisinthemess #editlater Thinking about self-compassion today as I prepare to teach my Mind/Body Tools for Musicians course here at MUN... . I always start with some practice and reflection around self-compassion. We musicians are often reflexively and relentlessly hard on ourselves, believing that if we show ourselves any amount of kindness or care, we’ll “lose our edge.” In fact, self-criticism is often seen as a badge of honour in our profession and training institutions! I have sooo been there! 🙋‍♀️ . The funny thing is, many of us would never dream of speaking to a student, friend, or colleague the way we speak to ourselves. When we think about the impact of our words and deeds on others, we understand how damaging criticism can be and how supportive and motivating kindness can be. But it can feel impossible to extend that perspective our ourselves. . We CAN learn to be discerning without spiralling into self-judgement and to give ourselves support and kindness during inevitable setbacks. It takes practice, but it is so worth it. . I love Kristin Neff’s work on this topic. Her book Self-Compassion was a game-changer for me and gave me permission to begin to lighten up on myself. I wrote a blog post about all this (with some quotes from Neff and links to her work) a few months ago. It is linked in my profile if you want to check it out. . . . #selfcompassion #mindfulselfcompassion #mindbodytools #mindbodytoolsformusicians #musicianshealth
 

We are fierce warriors, gentle nurturers, and everything in between.

 Peter A. Levine