There’s not much that I can tell you that you haven’t already heard about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. If you need information, there’s loads available in all the usual outlets.
What I can do though, is strongly encourage you to take care of yourself and those in your life. There all the usual precautions – avoid others, wash your hands, disinfect surfaces.
You might be surprised I don’t have a lot to say – especially since I usually do. In this case, I just don’t have a lot to add.
But one thing I can stress to you is that this is a time of turmoil. And in those tumultuous times, the importance of spending time with your harp only increases.
No, this is not my usual exhortation that you practice. This time, I strongly encourage you to play for you. To bolster your spirits – and the spirits of those around you. Never underestimate the succor your harp can provide you and those in your household in times of turmoil.
The anxiety and stress of times of uncertainty may leave you feeling like you don’t want to (or don’t have time to) play. Don’t allow stress and concern to convince you that you “must” practice – because you might not want to. Don’t let your anxiety pull you away!
Whatever you do, just play. Allow the music and the reverberation flow over you and soothe frayed nerves. Enjoy the feel of the harp itself. Revel in the meditation of tuning and the simple joy of warming up. Play what helps you feel centered. There are many opportunities to share your music and I encourage you to do that but if you’re not interested in doing that, just play. If you are of a mind, share video in the usual places to help others (don’t have a usual place? send it to me and I’ll be happy to share it for you).
Help others by sharing your gift. We will all be better for it. And of course, if you’re playing, you are likely social distancing! Are you playing for yourself? For others? Let us know in the comments below.
This is a great post! My favorite section was:
Whatever you do, just play. Allow the music and the reverberation flow over you and soothe frayed nerves. Enjoy the feel of the harp itself. Revel in the meditation of tuning and the simple joy of warming up.
Sometimes, we are so focused on practicing and accomplishing some specific task, and in the process we forget to actually enjoy what we’re doing. I think it’s a good time for us to actually listen to the harp again. I know that we listen as we are playing to see if we have played the notes correctly, or are playing with phrasing and expression. But sometimes we forget to actually listen to how beautiful the sound of this instrument is. And this is a great time for us to do that again.
tks for the reminder- sue r says the same thing.
i’m always trying to accomplish/learn something.
I’d add, keep your nails short, and tune your harp a couple times a week, so that you can just go over to it and play. Put it in an open space with good light, so that you don’t have to rearrange the room every time you want to play. It really helps to be able to just go to it, sit, and make music. Notice I said “play” too, not “practice”.
yes boss! My girls are in the living room, front and center.
so, just “play” . new idea for me… i could Try that. not like i don’t have TIME
True, that, Jen! Thanks for your encouragement. I’m currently putting in 12 hour days, getting middle school classwork online while learning all this new tech…when I need a brain break, I stumble over to my harp. Playing some old tunes and/or learning a new one really helps to refocus. Not needing to read the music lets my eyes readjust from hours on a screen. The repetition of practicing a phrase or move soothes jangled nerves. I love your advice: just play!
We played a flash concert for our neighbors in our condo building. We all went out on our decks and my husband and I played about 15 minutes of harp and guitar duets of Celtic and Hawaiian music. We couldn’t see each other but they clapped after each piece and were very appreciative. People walking down the alley stopped to listen and a couple of apartments across the alley joined in. We even made it to twitter!
Jen is right- playing for yourself and for others is a wonderful thing right now.
Robin G
warmer by you! 8-10″ of snow here last nite!
kate in maine
my little “for others” gigs are closed- ie hospital waiting area= no volunteers allowed. a lunch program is also closed. harp circle cancelled.
one thing this cessation of Life As We Knew IT has brought = a sense of lightness. no pressure to Learn this, play That . i am reviewing tunes that were getting stale. i have the Time to go slower and pay more attn .
so, i should get offline and go Play!
Lovely post, thank you !