Enjoying the Journey when Returning to the Violin

There will be some days when you wonder why you even bother. In my experience, this is particularly true when you have been at things for a while and the progress is slower than when you first returned. At the beginning, the gains are more noticeable. As you get better, the changes become more subtle.

As returning violinists, there are things we never knew how to do that we have to learn. There are also the things we already know how to do but that we have to brush up on. Perhaps most challenging are the years of bad habits we have to correct when we return after a prolonged time off. In some ways, it would be easier to pick up the violin for the very first time.

The good news is that not all is lost. One of the things I appreciate most about having returned to the violin, is the mindfulness journey that is everyday practice. As a child, I practiced violin just to get it done, but as an adult I am considerably more focused, conscious, and reflective. When I am practicing, I am fully in the moment and paying attention. I am constantly trying to practice non-judgement. If I weren’t, I would have given up already! I am also detached from any outcome because I have no idea where this journey is taking me and it really doesn’t matter. I can just enjoy the journey and the joy that comes with playing an instrument purely for fun. Isn’t that refreshing?