One of the first things we’re likely to notice about ourselves when we meditate (whether in a formal practice or something more spontaneous, such as listening to music or playing our instruments as described above) is that our ability to focus and concentrate isn’t always as constant as we’d like: our minds wander, our moods shift, and our bodies fidget. 🧠

We get distracted by external stimuli—pleasant or unpleasant—arriving through our senses, or by internal stimuli (thoughts and feelings) created within the mind-body-self. ✨

Examples of external stimuli: noises, smells, lights, temperature, clothing, uncomfortable seats, interruptions.

Examples of internal stimuli: fatigue, aches and pains, and all kinds of thoughts that capture our attention and pull our minds every which way.

As a performer, you know the importance of disregarding unwanted, intrusive stimuli. You want to stay calm and in control instead of getting thrown off by a bellyache, the audience member noisily unwrapping a throat lozenge, or your colleague who forgets to turn the page. 🎻

Though meditation in stillness, sitting quietly with the eyes closed, is a great way to develop focus, musicians need to know how to manage the mind while also engaging the body in the very complex activity of playing an instrument. 🌿

The ability to immediately notice when your mind has wandered off and then to be able to bring it quickly back to your activity is a crucial skill that involves not only improving your mind-body coordination but also calming your nervous system. ⚡

Whether at home alone or onstage performing in front of a thousand people, how are you responding to stimuli? Are you able to choose to change how you’re thinking and practice mindful, true concentration in activity? 🎶

I'd love to hear your perspective if you'd like to share your thoughts.

And if you haven't learned how to do TheCyCle™ yet, this is a wonderful way to practice calming the mind and body in a way that prepares you for practice, performance, or anything else in life.

You can learn TheCyCle™ here: https://youtu.be/Zr1c4T9KgFM?si=23-ato1XqkHzXLOc

With Love & Light,
Jennifer ❤️

📘 The above is an excerpt from my award-winning book, ‘Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life'.

Need a great gift? You can find the book on amazon in paperback, hardcover, and kindle versions. Or – if you're in the USA – you can now order copies directly from me.

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