"If your intentions are to impress people or to get the big applause at the end then you are taking, not giving." -Teitur
(found here)
To remember to share myself with the intent to give, letting go of what I will receive...that is true magic. I have been a guitar student off and on (much more off that on unfortunately) for almost 20 years. When I watched this TedTalk yesterday, my mind went, although this is true for almost any aspect of learning and interest, straight to guitar performances. I only performed for my family, teachers and recitals. I immediately felt a difference when other people were in the room (especially teachers and recitals). My fingers fumbled, my voice weakened and quivered. That was a large reason that I gave up learning with a teacher. How limiting to allow a misguided motive change the direction of an opportunity to grow.
Yesterday in Ellie's guitar lesson I saw the same struggle in her, although to a lesser degree. I decided that I would make a better effort to play with her as she practices. We had our first session yesterday. I held her back in a few ways, but in more important ways, we kept each other with a focus of sharing and giving. Our minds didn't go near any intention to impress. There was joy in learning for me, and truly if I can focus on a motive to give in all aspects of my life- the work in practice will be so much sweeter.
