Mirror, mirror
“What you see in others is a reflection of what is within you.” - Eckhart Tolle
When approaching my teaching assignment last week I was excited but also nervous. I was concerned that my musical ear was not critical enough. I have always struggled to be critical of anyone's music making. In the past it was certainly partly because of my own insecurity. But recently it is more because, from the inside, I know that it is such a vulnerable act and takes courage and represents where a person is in this moment. How can I judge that?
However, teaching students with my AT understanding was a whole new experience. I went into it knowing that I wanted to share some of the beautiful understanding that has unlocked me as a person and a performer, even if I too have a long way to go in my own journey.
I got to have a lot of fun with one of the students where I gave them the experience of their neck and lower back, while they played, by alternating my hands on these places, with no other intention than to bring awareness. Then we did the same thing but I used my words, simply saying 'neck' or 'back', instead of using my hands.
The student finished playing and was astounded that I knew when to say 'neck' or 'back' because they felt it was exactly where their awareness was required whenever I said it.
Of course, on the one hand I believe I could have said 'neck neck neck' or 'back back back' and both would have been equally valuable. But because the student questioned me, I got to thinking and I realised what I was actually asking myself while they were playing was: "Where would I like to feel more space in myself?"
This simple question didn't require me to be critical. Instead it gave me the chance to listen with my whole self, rather than contracting my listening to happen with just my eyes, my ears or my mind. It was a true gift from student to teacher.
In the end we are all connected and everything flows in both directions, so if I could be so bold as to add on to what Eckhart Tolle said, I would say "What you see in others is a reflection of what is within you, and what is within you is a reflection of what you see in others!"
Journaling prompts: How do you approach critiquing other people's efforts? Do you rely on one or more senses? What would happen if you were to open all of your senses?
