Fern Jennings

I was practicing some Bach today and as I worked through some knotty areas something David Higgs told a student at a master class came into my mind: "play EVERY note".  To me this means to be aware of each note in an inner voice, or perhaps  really consider  the notes in an easy passage. It means to play each note with intention: attention to the weight of your fingers (or feet), to be intentional about the finger being used, and having in mind how each note fits into a melody line. Since, in spite of my internal admonition to be mindful of every note, my mind tends to wander when I practice, I started to think about other areas of my life this advice could be used. How about in reading? Forget speed reading, but read with attention all the way to the end of a paragraph. Well, some materials might be better skimmed. Diet experts tell us to be mindful of what we eat for better satisfaction. They tell us to stop watching TV or reading while we eat. How about in listening? This one is hard for me. How about fully listening to a speaker until they finish their sentences instead of internally finishing for them or thinking about what I will say next?


Yours for mindful practice,


Fern  

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