Several years ago I was performing a simple, beautiful duet in a concert. I had the opening few bars to myself and then my duet partner would come in.
I distinctly remember thinking, “Gosh, this feels hard.”
It struck me as odd to have that thought because it was not a difficult duet, and I knew my part well. I had even performed it for the first time 20 years earlier.
When that thought entered my mind, I knew from my aikido training that I was doing something with my body that was interfering with my ability to play this duet I knew so well.
I did a quick scan of my body and felt my arms. Could I let them hang from my shoulders more? How about feeling heavy elbows? I also consciously sat up taller and felt myself breathe. As I was doing this I became aware of this incredible musician sitting next to me on the piano bench. My duet partner! In the mild anxiety I felt, I had completely forgotten that someone else was there with me to make music. How lucky was I that I got to make music with him, and he had 20 more years of experience than I had. What an opportunity!
I relaxed into the moment, felt the presence of my duet partner, and followed whatever and however he played. His ability to phrase was so spectacular that I just supported everything he did and went along for the ride. It was one of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had performing. It was so life-giving that I couldn’t wait to do it again.
After the performance, many people approached me and were in awe over what they heard. It had moved them as well.
Later I ran into a piano teacher I knew who did not like to perform. He asked me, “Are you glad it’s over?”
To his surprise, I answered, “No. I can’t wait to do it again. It was amazing.”
Performing can be inspiring, life-giving, and moving for ourselves and our audience if we allow it to be. Making peace with ourselves, allowing ourselves to be in the moment, feel in the moment, relax in the moment can be life-changing.
Sometimes this can be easier said than done. Just doing something consciously with our body in the moment can begin the shift to a more pleasant, even invigorating, experience. Sitting taller, feeling the weight of our own arms, or feeling the piano bench supporting us, all of these things can help bring us into the present moment, and that is where the magic can happen.