How Do YOU Relax?
So... I've been on the lookout for some time for a pasttime I could take up that could serve as a calming & relaxing respite from... well, LOTS of things!
I've tried several things, such as:
Adult Coloring Books- but my propensity for perfectionism was my undoing. I found that I rarely finished a picture because I was constantly changing my mind (too late) about a color I chose, or some other fault and it seemed to only serve to INCREASE my stress. So I canned it!
Chair Yoga- My problematic knees keep me from many forms of exercise, particularly competive types, so I tried Chair Yoga on the recommendation of a friend, but I found it to be... well, totally BORING!
Brisk Walking- This actually was fairly effective, but I also found that the weather or the time of day often interfered with my plans, so this was very often, ineffective.
Music- I have a clarinet & really enjoy playing it, (in more of an orchestra-type setting), but its not exactly an instrument you can just whip out at a moments notice & play for 5-10 minutes at a shot. It takes time to put together, & time to take apart, which takes all the spontaneity out of the process!
In short, nothing really turned off my thought processes like I wanted or needed!
But from the moment I picked up my grandson's harmonica...
I just knew,
this...
is...
it!
Here's Why!
- I like that I can just pick it up & play it for 5 minutes (or 30), anytime I want to or need to!
- I can drop it in my purse & take it anywhere & everywhere I go!
- I can take lessons online and progress at my own speed at anytime of the day that suits me!
- Its a very forgiving instrument. It's not like a clarinet where you have to have the correct fingering & embouchure to get the right sound. But not so on the harmonica! It plays chords... 2 -3 & even 4-part chords. (just listen to Bob Dylan, or Neil Young, or Tom Petty playing their harmonica, & you'll notice thqt its almost NEVER perfect... but it still sounds great!)
So... I've been taking lessons online now for about 4 weeks & really enjoying it. I'm not ready for prime time yet, (and may never be... who knows), but it's fun, & relaxing & it's just what I was looking for!
And now.... it's YOUR turn!
What do YOU do to de-stress, relax & quiet your thought processes?
If you'd care to share, I'd love to hear what works for YOU! So please feel free to let us know in the space provided below.
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