A Meditation for You

Back in the ‘70s there was a meditation rage in this country. America was hungry for a new ‘consciousness’ and most of those looking for it found it in TM – Transcendental Meditation. The more esoteric minded went for Zen.

I was one of them.

My practice consisted of sitting on a few pillows – I was never able to get into the ‘lotus’ position – about 3 feet from a wall, lowering my gaze to just above the floor, and following my breath. A session would normally last 20 minutes or so.

Now fast-forward 30 years. I am still meditating. Only now it is on the violin.

The essence of meditation is combining a very high level of consciousness – i.e. focus – with deep relaxation. This is exactly what I want during my practice.

No more pillows, no more staring at walls.

I am still aware of my breath, it is what determines the depth of relaxation I achieve while playing. As for being highly conscious, I use the tools of visualization and counting to keep my focus right where it needs to be; the forward edge of NOW.

Tonight I began my second practice after a long, physically taxing day. My shoulders were tight, my arms exceedingly heavy.

Started slow. Breathing first, then turning the count on. Soon I found the mental wherewithal to image what was coming. Had to move slow for a while longer. Took a few moments to stretch a little. Came back and moved the fingers a little faster…

By the end of the first half hour I was as limber and warm as a circus monkey. Just like magic!

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. For the real inside scoop on getting ‘dialed in’ when you practice, get your copy of ”Kreutzer for Violin Mastery, Vol. 1” now.