[today's practice tip works for musicians AND anybody who uses a computer]

I challenge you to free your hands right now.

Take them off your computer or phone.

Rest your hands by your side or on your lap.

And notice what happens.

..... ahhhhhhhhhh...... isn't that nice?

When you're practicing or working, try doing a brief 5 to 20 second physical reset in between repetitions.

I first learned this from Stuart Fuchs who has a "1 note" practice at his ukelele:

- Play one note.

- Take the hands off.

- Feel what just happened, integrate it.

- Repeat.

This kind of patient, restful approach feels very different from the rushed, often mistake-laden practice I've heard from musicians across the world... even respected pros.

(Sometimes success comes not because of a way of practicing, but in spite of a way of practicing)

Learning takes time!

A little bit of space and physical rest in between repetitions is a very smart way to support learning.

"Go slow to go fast"

I dare you Let me know how it goes.

OTHER BENEFITS:

- resting your mind keeps it fresh

- reset the body to avoid repetitive strain

- come back to center

- gives you many more "first notes", overcoming the common anxiety point around picking the instrument up and beginning to play

- you'll feel like the happy relaxed kitty in the photo