It is amazing what happens when you are busy doing nothing.
For much of last year I focused very strongly on getting better at doing less. Doing less, committing to less, going out less, talking on the phone less and just being with the kids more.
Today was one of those days, where after a full day at home yesterday, I was thinking maybe we need to 'do something'. My 3 year old Maurice, who has a broken arm (again) was very clear in his not wanting to go ANYWHERE. He is a homebody by nature. I on the other hand was kind of itching to get out, and also thinking that we 'should' really do something. Whatever that means.
As we were busy doing not much a wonderful thing happened.
April began her piano practice by herself, which she has been enjoying too much lately. She said she really felt like playing! This was a great thing in itself, but she then played this beautiful piece (A Short Story from Suzuki book 2) that she has been working on for a couple of weeks and has experienced some major frustration over, many, many times.... because she wanted to. A small miracle.
We have talked a lot lately about how things can be very hard, and frustrating, but by learning how to learn something even when you are frustrated, you have a skill for life. We have talked about staying power, about persistence, about strength, and the joy that playing beautiful music can bring.
Today, she felt this first hand, and she truly glowed. She went back to the piano many times over the day, playing the piece over and over, with more confidence and joy each time.
I told her tonight that I loved hearing her beautiful music today.
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