In what has been an interesting year (yes, that’s the most charitable word I can think of to describe 2020), winter has begun with a roar (literally – high winds and damaging gusts in my area, 6 inches of snow for some of you). It’s enough to challenge one’s sanity!
But we are stronger than that and we will push through all this. Thankfully, we have our harps to help us get through just about anything! But we do need to keep moving to help us continue to grow – and I think that many of you have been doing that throughout the year. We keep moving on our repertoire. We keep moving to find new ways to gather and be a community. We keep moving to help each other out as we have seen opportunities to share first vanish and then move to new virtual ways of connecting.
But are we moving enough? I know you keep moving while playing – but are you actually moving? There are a few ways of moving that are fairly essential to your continued playing and your overall wellbeing.
Go for a walk – outside. I did mention I meant to literally move! There are a number of reasons to go for a walk. Getting some sunlight is good (and necessary) for your health. Getting some fresh air might just save your life (Dr. Fauci tells us now). And a little bit of light aerobic exercise helps keep you healthy. If you prefer, don’t see talking a walk as a fitness challenge but rather an opportunity to spend a little quiet time to clear your mind and reconnect with yourself. And don’t let the winter deter you – this doesn’t have to be a trek, just a short stroll will have the desired effect.
Take a little exercise. Ok, now I’m talking about a little more strenuous than the walk! No matter your age, a little bit of exercise helps keep you supple. You don’t have to be a gym rat or the next Arnold Schwarzenegger either – just find an appropriate workout plan online. There are loads that can be perfect for you – search by your age, or current level of fitness, or interest (for instance – don’t have any equipment, find a workout that doesn’t require any like basic calisthenics…those are still around and are still good for you). The point is that having a little more movement in your day will help you keep moving. You will be less stiff and sore, and this can be a perpetual part of your day – the longer you exercise a little each day, the better you will feel every day. And feeling better sure makes playing easier!
Don’t plant on the bench. I find this particularly difficult! When you’re playing and having a great time (as we do!), or even practicing and working intently on getting some new piece worked up, it’s easy to be so focused that you inadvertently spend too much time sitting on the bench. You might recall that typically the appropriate seat for playing is not really designed for long term sitting. Most are flat and not particularly cushioned. So be sure to schedule stretch breaks and plan to get up from the bench to move a little throughout your practice. You don’t have to take a long break to keep moving! Take a short walk, climb the stairs, stretch, do something to move. Then you can go back to your practicing a bit refreshed. If you find you don’t notice the passage of time, use a kitchen timer to act as an alarm clock.
Feel the rhythm of the beat. Ever since my first harp workshop where I learned about eurythmics, I have been a fan! If you’re not familiar with this (or if this word only makes you think of a most excellent Scottish band from the 1980s) eurythmics is the practice of using body movement to reflect music. It can be expressive (as in dance) but here I mean using your body to represent the music you’re playing. If you’ve ever clapped a rhythm, you’ve done eurythmics! If you’re one of my students, you have likely lived through clapping and walking and a bunch of other body movements to really feel the rhythm and the beat. I love this approach not only because it gets you moving but it also allows you to learn your music in other modes that you normally sit on (in this case actually!).
Reach out and touch someone. Ok, this might be figurative in the time of COVID, but there’s no reason not to reach out to others. When we can, we can literally reach out to play with our friends, but even now, be sure to reach out to others to play, share, teach, and learn.
How do you keep moving? I’m sure you have other ideas to share – let me know if the comments!