Seeing is not the only way to believe!
“Seeing is believing.” YES, but is it the only way to believe? Vision is often our dominant sense, but we can’t always see ourselves as we play. We can stand in front of a mirror and watch as we play but how often does our mind stray as we think about an upcoming passage, what we have to do later, or “try” to execute a challenging passage.
The good news is that seeing isn’t the only way to believe. There are other ways to experience our playing, sense our most effortless expression and moments where we are simply working too much.
Let’s develop the other senses that provide valuable information about the way we are playing/moving. Close your eyes for portions of your playing and notice all that you can feel. I bet you will feel movements you didn’t even realize were happening such as subtle breathing movements or maybe a finger that stiffens in certain movements.
You are sensing movement using the vibrant kinesthetic sense. Maybe these movements are not so vibrant for you right now, but with attention and practice, they will become a more vibrant experience. Kinesthesia tells you about the quality, ease, or not of movement. The sensory receptors of the kinesthetic sense are located in muscles and joints.
The first step is simply noticing movement. In a sense, you are savoring the experience! Observing what you feel.
When you go back to playing with your eyes open can you invite the kinesthetic sense to be part of your experience? Some will find that vision dominates. With practice, kinesthetic awareness will become part of your experience.
Savor the moments & be curious…