Walsch on Looking Ahead and Staying Encouraged in Guitar Practice
“Do not discourage yourself with what you haven’t done, encourage yourself with what you will do.”
Neale Donald Walsch
All these lovely places, ripe with adventure and new experiences!
Like in Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”, we get worlds upon worlds – whatever we want. It’s all there for the taking.
But life often intervenes. While the Lake Regions of Argentina or the fjords of Norway await, other things may demand our time.
And when we focus on what we haven’t done, as N. D. Walsch says, we run the risk of becoming jaded or discouraged.
And the same holds true in our guitar practice. All these wonderful tunes to play, but at just X minutes per day, it can seem impossible.
Instead of dwelling on what’s not happened yet, it’s much more fun to look ahead with anticipation.
There’s plenty of time. It’s no race. The sheet music will still be there when we’re ready (as will Mt. Fuji and the Galapagos).
In the moments of our daily practice (however many there may be), we can enjoy our current “location”.
What a luxury! What a boon to take the time and put all our attention on one moment of music, or one movement of the hand! What a gift!
They say that “satisfaction is the death of desire”. And desire is fun. Anticipation before a journey is often just as rewarding as the journey itself.
All that music down the road – “Oh, the places we’ll go!”
When we look to the future with excitement and relish today, we’re much more likely to get there.
“Do not discourage yourself with what you haven’t done, encourage yourself with what you will do.”
Neale Donald Walsch
Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
I just upgraded. I have been thinking about it since day one, but wanted to see how it works out for me. I have to say, even though I did not put as much effort in as I expected to, I already hear and feel Improvements when playing compositions I learned some time ago, before joining The Woodshed.
Thanks!
~ Alexey Neyman
-Alexey Neyman
Hello Allen,
I feel my guitar proficiency is improving considerably. Every day I’m exceedingly comfortable with my right hand technique and overall fluency. And my sight-reading has improved as well. Thank you for creating the Woodshed. It’s thoughtful construction and scope and sequence of knowledge and skills has advanced my guitar skills significantly. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
~ Michael Immel
-Michael Immel
“Success lies in relentless execution of the basics.”
Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
Click the button to take a step towards an
organized, effective guitar practice. >>>
