Sufi Poet Rumi on Gratitude in Guitar Practice

Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Enjoy!

“Gratitude is the wine of the soul. Go on. Get drunk!”

Rumi

Playing and practicing music can be like watching grass grow. We know things are happening, but we may not be able to notice it.

And when we don’t see improvement often enough or quickly enough, we may well get discouraged. This is one of the obstacles we share as musicians.

But in reality, most of us play guitar for fun. We play because we love music and feel it will help us lead a richer life.

So instead of taking our challenges personally, we can accept them as part of the package. We can trust that things will come around in their own time. And more, we can sing praise for the chance to grow and learn something new.

This doesn’t mean that some days won’t be hard – they will. But we control the narrative. We spin the story.

When we focus on gratitude we stay motivated. We hold our bearings and make it through the rough patches (or don’t see them as all that rough).

And it feels good! Saturated in gratitude, guitar may be our favorite part of the day.

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.

After more than a year as a member, I remain impressed with the Woodshed, song courses, Tuesday quotes, weekly lessons, and the CGS community. Without my membership, I think my enthusiasm for learning classical guitar would have faded long ago. Instead, I am enjoying the process as I make steady progress in my playing.

~ Steve Dosh

-Steve Dosh

Allen Mathews was recommended to me as somebody who could help me expand my guitar vocabulary. Allen started me on a really fun cycle of lessons and practice. He is a very good,and very enthusiastic teacher, and I feel that I'm on the road to learning. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.

~ Peter Buck (r.e.m.)

-Peter Buck (r.e.m.)