I know I talk a lot about practicing. I'd like to say one more thing about that. Sometimes, you need to take a break from practicing. I'm not talking about giving it up completely, just taking a break to let things percolate. I've taken short breaks and I've taken long breaks. (The longest was a ten year period when I was feeling quite ambivalent about making music.) I see by the date of my last post that this break has lasted almost one year. In that one year period have come many changes. The cycle of endings and beginnings continues.
The thing about "breaks" or vacations, if you will, is that they have a renewing and rejuvenating effect. They strengthen you in ways you might not expect, or even perceive until more time has passed. I feel this way about writing. I also feel this way about playing music. Perhaps not at the beginning, when things are new and learning is fresh, but as we grow and change vacations are necessary. If you form the habit of practice early on, a vacation will do no harm and the effects of practice can even continue to develop. The caveat is: you must put in the time before that process will take place.
So, during this break, I've managed to catch up on my Music for People certification; begin tossing workshop ideas around; making lists of things I really want to accomplish in my work; and letting go of the ties that have bound and held me back.
My new website: www.musicplayportal.com is a culmination of this process. Music Play Portal is the umbrella title for the workshops I'm in the process of planning and presenting. I also have a personal website www.MonnaLewin.weebly.com. I'm planning to use that particular website to promote my creative work, alone or with others, as opportunities arise. While some part of me says, "I have absolutely no idea how this will work!"; another part of me says, "Yes! Let's do this and who cares how it will happen!" I'm sure you all know those two voices. And if you don't know them both, I highly recommend you meet them!
When those two are in balance, it's that same feeling you get when you look down a ski slope and push off. But again, preparation is key, otherwise it's just plain fear and not exhilaration!
So, even though I've been away, "on break" so to speak, some ideas have been percolating and are now surfacing. Vacations can be very productive!
