Re: Five Minutes/day

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 6/18/04 1:42:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
markwilson53@xxxxxxx writes:


> What is the benefit of working on one thing at a time. Assuming you're not 
> dealing with an individual who's going to get bored or overwhelmed and quit 
> altogether, what is the downside to taking on more than one item?.  Or better 
> yet, what is the upside to sticking with just one? 

The goal is personal evolution towards a powerful practice discipline - one 
that is obtainable for everyone - no matter their level or boredom quotient.

Surely no one can argue that they can't dedicate 5 minutes/day. It is only 5 
minutes/day. This is the first hurdle (findingthetime) overcome.

Next, at the SAMETIMEEVERYDAY, after 1 week it easily becomes part of your 
life - not a separate entity looked upon like "homework". After all, it is only 
5 minutes/day at the same time every day. Second hurdle 
(makingitadailyroutine) overcome.

At this level, the 5 minutes/day can become "sacred" to you - no 
interruptions allowed; significant others and children will quickly respect this "sacred" 
time - After all, it is only 5 minutes/day. Third hurdle (quietti
meforfocusedpractice) overcome.

Now, deal with only one specific aspect at a time - work at it until you 
"own" it (this could be nailing 3 hole inhale to the first semitone down perfectly 
in tune, playing with throat vibrato in 4 hole inhale, or simply learning to 
listen to yourself by playing LONG TONES). Fourth hurdle 
(solidifyingtechniqueonebiteatatime) overcome. 

Mind you, you may find that you have to spend a week or two on one item until 
you can truly check it off your list as mastered - the upside is that you 
will NEVER have to go back and revisit this problem again. 

After the 5 minutes are up, you are done - free to go play outside with your 
friends. 

Of course, any additional practice you wish to add should be considered a 
bonus to yourself and enjoyed as such, but treat it separate from the new 
discipline you are developing.

When you make the promise to yourself of only 5 minutes/day, you cannot, in 
good conscience, sabotage yourself as long as you are true to yourself. If you 
fall off this regimen, it may be time to reevaluate yourself on a personal 
level, something a little deeper than merely trying to master the harmonica.

The Iceman