Each year I set my new year’s resolutions to the tune of practicing more, eating right, exercising, and all the typical goals most people set. But this year, I am shifting my approach. Instead of a laundry list of goals, I’ve distilled my aspirations down to a single, transformative resolution: to live more in the moment.
I think we spend too much time worrying about the future and bemoaning the past, that we forget to appreciate the here and now. And music, in its essence, is a celebration of the present moment.
The Symphony of the Present Moment
When we engage with music—whether we’re learning to play a new tune, actively listening to a piece, or performing for an audience—the distractions of the past and the uncertainties of the future fade into the background. The task at hand becomes all-encompassing, demanding our full attention. The question is, how do we extrapolate this musical mindfulness and weave it into the tune of our daily lives?
Applying the Melodic Mindfulness
- Tune into the Present: Just as we tune an instrument, we can “tune in” to our surroundings by observing the colors, scenery, and ambient sounds that surround us. By immersing in the details of our immediate environment, we invite a sense of presence.
- Listen Mindfully: Actively listen to the sounds around you. Just as we would appreciate the nuances of a musical composition, let’s pay attention to the subtleties in everyday sounds—the rustle of leaves, the hum of traffic, or the laughter of a friend. This mindful listening can serve as a constant reminder to stay rooted in the present.
- Silence the Mental Noise: Much like the silent pauses between musical notes, embrace those moments of silence. Quieting the mental chatter allows us to fully experience the present without the interference of past regrets or future anxieties. Mindfulness meditation or mindful breathing exercises can be effective tools in achieving this mental stillness.
- Embrace Imperfection: In music, imperfections are part of the beauty—they add character and uniqueness to a performance. Similarly, in life, embracing imperfections and acknowledging that not every note will be perfect can alleviate the pressure of constant self-criticism. Allow room for spontaneity and the unexpected, savoring the beauty in life’s unscripted moments.
So, as the melody of a new year unfolds, let’s connect more with the present. Let’s transform each moment by embracing the rhythm of now, one intentional note at a time.
Happy new year!
Session Obsession 