Thanks, Bunches

“Your underwear only bunches when you’re on your way to the bench.”

And it’s true, isn’t it.  It’s only when you’re on your way to the bench that you notice it.  In the short walk that takes you to the bench (and takes forever (cut to bad old movie footage of a hallway progressively lengthening as you walk)), that is when the riot happens in your brain.  You’ve been complete calm, comfortable, and bunch-free…right up until that point.  AND THEN YOU FEEL IT.

And you can think of nothing else. Every neuron in your brain, no, in your body, is reporting that on this phenomenon.  It is all you can think about.  You certainly can no longer hear the tune in your head.  It’s drowned out by the freight train of fearsome awareness.

There is no escape.  No matter how well prepared you felt.  No matter how long you have been playing.  No matter how politely the cat and the curtains applaud your efforts.  No matter how many seats in the theatre.  This is the end.  And you can barely walk for the bunching.

But that’s not true, is it? 

When you begin to breathe again and stop hyperventilating, when your muscles relax and release, you realize the freight train is not running on a different track and the danger has passed.  And when the noise abates, the riot calms, and you can begin to hear the strains of the tune once more.  Without the clenching of your teeth and other muscles, you let go of the bunching, and you become more comfortable…as you settle on the bench.

I’d be bunches of happy to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments.

This bit of wisdom comes courtesy of my dear friend Kris.  We were planning our Moving Forward weekend (formerly known as Harp Quest, but we felt like we wanted to leave that sitting there for a bit and focus more on Moving Forward) and we found this statement – in multiple places – in our assembled history (which includes student feedback, our own feedback when we’re still sweaty and exhausted from teaching, and our musings after a good meal and a glass of wine).  It really is our collected wisdom to date, and we review it to launch our planning to…you guessed it…Move Forward!

We are offering Moving Forward to our students this summer.  The first weekend (25 – 27 August) is for less experienced harpers – you are early in your learning and still getting a handle on playing and are looking to learn, laugh, and meet other harpers like you.  The second weekend (8 – 10 September) is for more experienced harpers.  You are intermediate or advanced and are looking for a challenge as well laughing, learning, and hanging out with other harpers like you.  For either weekend you are interested, engaged, excited and enthusiastic while not judging, pulling back, or withdrawing.  Enrollment in each weekend is limited because we are going to be very focused and have group and one-on-one time.   If you have worked with me in regular lessons, irregular lessons, or in coaching you are invited.  If you’re interested in being part of this or in getting more details, let me know – in the comments!