When we practice anything properly, the fact that we are engaging in a difficult learning process not only disappears, but more importantly it dissolves into a period of inner calming that gives us a rest from the tension and anxiety that our “get it done yesterday” world pushes on us every day of our lives. For this reason, it is important to recognize and be in control of the process and to learn to enjoy that part of life's activity
I found that, when given my present moment attention, the practice sessions were very calming, not bothersome. I didn't have to be anywhere but “here,” and I didn't have to accomplish anything but exactly what I was doing “right now.” I found that immersing myself in the process of practicing would shut off all the tensions of the day and all the thoughts of what had to get done “tomorrow.”
We erroneously think that there is a magical point that we are going to get to and then we will be happy. We look at the process of getting there as almost a necessary nuisance we have to go through in order to get to our goal.When you focus on the process, the intended product takes care of itself with fluid ease.
When, instead, your "goal" is focusing on the process or staying in the present, then there are no mistakes and no judging.
Back in the mid-seventies there was a real upheaval going on in the business world of manufacturing. Everyone wanted a Japanese automobile because they were noticeably higher in quality. American auto manufacturers were scrambling to understand why this was and how to fix it. But this wasn't a situation localized in the auto industry. Japanese pianos were becoming popular in this country. Some of them had names people had never heard of and couldn't even pronounce properly, but they could see the quality difference in them regardless.
I found that, when given my present moment attention, the practice sessions were very calming, not bothersome. I didn't have to be anywhere but “here,” and I didn't have to accomplish anything but exactly what I was doing “right now.” I found that immersing myself in the process of practicing would shut off all the tensions of the day and all the thoughts of what had to get done “tomorrow.”
We erroneously think that there is a magical point that we are going to get to and then we will be happy. We look at the process of getting there as almost a necessary nuisance we have to go through in order to get to our goal.When you focus on the process, the intended product takes care of itself with fluid ease.
When, instead, your "goal" is focusing on the process or staying in the present, then there are no mistakes and no judging.
Back in the mid-seventies there was a real upheaval going on in the business world of manufacturing. Everyone wanted a Japanese automobile because they were noticeably higher in quality. American auto manufacturers were scrambling to understand why this was and how to fix it. But this wasn't a situation localized in the auto industry. Japanese pianos were becoming popular in this country. Some of them had names people had never heard of and couldn't even pronounce properly, but they could see the quality difference in them regardless.
Good one. Like it.
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