Re: Five Minutes/day

[Pierre <slavio@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I should floss daily and that takes only 2-3 minutes and I skip it sometimes
for a week because I'm in a hurry (not a good excuse but often the way I
feel). But then flossing is not very exciting.

So 5 minutes a day that's 30 hours a year, that significant. I can master
(well greatly improve) about 10 to 20 elements of playing in that time
assuming I only do 5 minutes per day. Its appealing - specially if I use it
on things I don't like to do or things I always mean to be doing and never
do. Most of these things would really improve my playing even if I don't too
much more.

I have been drifting and very unstructured and looking for a way to be more
efficient, I think this is exactly what I need.

Sold!

Thanks Iceman.

Pierre.













  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: IcemanLE@xxxxxxx
  To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
  Sent: Friday, June 18, 2004 3:49 PM
  Subject: Re: Five Minutes/day


  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
(quiettimeforfocusedpractice) 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