Mr. Slow Motion

When I was a rambunctious lad, perhaps a few years ago, I loved gliding across the ice at our local skating rink. And every time I stepped on the ice there was one man – he was always there – who caught my eye.

He was an African American fellow, but that’s certainly not why I noticed him. I noticed him because he was the coolest skater in the house.

His raiment never changed; black, tight fitting pants, electric blue jacket, black skates. And on the back of the jacket, in embroidered gold, was written, ‘Mr. Slow Motion.’

That’s how he skated, in slow motion. Lap after lap, hour after hour he stayed in his crouch, undulating back and forth like a magnificent pendulum.

I got to thinking about Mr. Slow Motion whilst practicing today. About how he sailed effortlessly around that rink lapping me and all my boyish friends so effortlessly, in spite of our best exertions to stay with him.

I realize now that Mr. Slow Motion knew the real secret of speed.

And that secret applies equally to velocity on the violin. Understand profoundly how to play slowly and you are given passage to almost limitless velocity.

The key is in your power of resolution.

It’s about seeing yourself play with eyes that don’t flinch when confronted by awkwardness. Eyes that WILL have an accounting for every movement taken. Eyes so acute they can apprehend the FLOW of time embedded in the blink of an eye.

It’s about meditation. It’s about self-fulfillment.

When Milstein said, ‘It’s now what you play, but how you play it, that counts,’ no truer words have ever been spoken.

I wish you a most rewarding and prosperous New Year. But before taking my leave, may I suggest taking a little quiet time to Count the blessings that have come to you in the passing year; to Visualize the blessings you would have for yourself in the coming year; and to Breathe deeply in joyful gratefulness for both.

All the best,

Clayton Haslop

P.S. For more than a few, I know that one blessing of 2006 came in the form of ‘Kreutzer for Violin Mastery.’ Those who have yet to take the plunge may still do so before the sand runs out on ol’ 2006. It’ll be a party you can enjoy for months, if not years, to come.