The Impossible Days

Maybe you've had one (or many) this week, maybe you've just come out of a rough patch or one may be right around the corner. The impossible days have a way of tearing us apart, make us question why we do the things we do along with many other thoughts that are ridiculous and unrealistic, yet feel powerfully true in the moment. So what makes us in these moments keep going, keep trying? 

We want to do what is best for our children.

This is why we are all here, why we come to lessons and group every week and why we all try our hardest to practice everyday, because we want what is best for children so that they may become fine human beings and live rich lives. But how can we achieve this when there are impossible days and more then we would like?

First of all, Never Give Up. This is the message we want to teach children anyways right? Never give up, always keep trying, no matter how hard it gets. 

When it comes to an impossible day and getting in practice, 5 minutes is all it takes. Just spare 5 minutes and the day is no longer lost.

And what should happen during these 5 minutes? Review of course! Focus on one thing for the pieces being played, or put on a quick recital for anyone who is around. There is always a way when we step back, take a breathe, and remember why we are all doing this in the first place. 5 minutes is always better then nothing as it still encourages good habits. 

Consider this questionnaire for Suzuki Parents put together by Shinichi Suzuki:

Do you see that your child listens regularly to the recordings?
Do you take good notes during lessons so that you can be a good home teacher?
Do you shout, scream, or make sarcastic remarks?
Are you positive about home practice, or does your attitude suggest it as a chore?
Do you plan practice as a daily habit, even if only a minimum can be done?
Do you arrange home concerts for family and/or friends?
What is the ratio of praise to criticism in your comments to your child?
Do you show enthusiasm consistently?
Does you child always listen in advance to pieces he is about to study?
Do you practice after lessons, or discuss the lesson in the car afterwards?
Do you observe other lessons?
Do you take your child to concerts?
In practice periods, do you ask for too much at one time?

Take a moment to self reflect:
What are some things you know you try your best to do and what are some things you know you could do more of? Especially when it's a tough day, do you still try to approach practice the same as if it were an easy day? 
Consider what your teacher and Shinichi Suzuki suggest about practice and decide what changes you could make to your practice routine at home to make it more convenient and concise. The more consistent and to the point practice is at home, the more likely it will still take place even when the day seems lost.

The impossible days are going to happen whether we want them to or not and no matter how hard we try to do the right thing. They push us to our limits and although this is scary, it makes us stronger and in turn makes children stronger as they have a role model to look up to. So just let the impossible days happen, don't ever give up and know that better days are around the corner. It may sometimes seem like a very big corner... but the good days are there waiting for you. Those are the days that you will remember and will mean the most to you and your family. 

Keep Calm and Fiddle On...