Slow and Steady

When we begin a new calendar year, we often feel the need to dive into making big changes and tackle new challenges. It comes from the best intentions. We want to improve and we want to do it now! However,sometimes rushing into things can add pressure and unwanted tension. Let’s take a note from nature. This time of year is the time the nature around us is moving a little slower or resting. We can still find ways to work on our goals but lets alleviate some of the pressure. Let’s ease back into our practice routines and take our time to try new challenges. Sometimes if we give ourselves permission to take it slow and steady we just may see a more smooth and comfortable path towards progress and success. So let’s give permission to ourselves to ease into tackling our new goals. This can also reflect in how we structure our singing practice. We may actually see more improvement when we take our time easing into our challenging material. We should make sure we are taking plenty of time to warm up as well allowing time for focus on the basics of our technique. Let’s not rush our time with our breath work or our vocal exercises. We can pace ourselves and make sure our bodies and our voices are very warm and ready prior to working on anything new or challenging. Remember the fable of the tortoise and the hare? The tortoise was successful only because he didn’t push past his own nature and took his time. It is okay to be the tortoise at this time of year. Build up to your challenges and you may be able to address them with your full strength rather than burning out quickly.