The scene is a beautiful sunrise over volcanic rock in Maui. Sitting in Sukhasana, easy pose, she convenes with her inner self.
Meditation
Remember a place that is easy for you to visualize. Choose a place that is peaceful for you. Try a place in nature. Sit up with your back supported. Find a time when there won’t be any distractions. Turn off your phone and dim the lights. Focus on your breathing. Breathe deeply with long exhales. Gradually relax each part of your body beginning with your feet. Work your way all the way up your body. Relax your stomach and abdomen. Relax your shoulder, arms and fingers. Relax your back, neck and throat area. Relax your jaw, face and scalp. Continue breathing deeply. Now you are in your sacred meditation space. There is no agenda. As thoughts come up, acknowledge them and let them pass.
Or to prepare for a performance or audition, perhaps try mental rehearsal. Begin the same way as with meditating but with a specific purpose.
Mental rehearsal
Once in your sacred space, you can change the channel to your performance space. Visualize yourself preparing to leave home. How are you traveling to your performance? What time is it? What are you wearing? What are you carrying with you besides your instrument and music? Is anyone with you? You have arrived at the venue. What is it like to walk in the stage door? Who do you see? Where do you go to warm up? What is the room like? Is it dark backstage? What do you hear? What do you smell? You are taking out your violin. How does the violin feel in your hands? How does your violin sound? How are you warming up? It’s time to perform now. Does someone walk you to the stage? Who is that person? Are you talking or remaining silent? You walk out on stage. Do you see certain audience members? Are there familiar faces? Do you check your tuning? Continue on with as much detail as possible about your music, the audience’s response, any speaking you are doing about the music, and your final bow. Visit this visualization many times before your performance.
Other modalities
I have also tried hypnosis and guided trance work. Since both involve working with a practitioner, you will want to work with someone who takes time to learn about your particular needs. You may want to work with someone who has experience working with musicians. Another option would be to work with someone who shares your same spiritual beliefs and practices. Additionally, there are light workers who are quite adept at helping clients reach very deep meditative levels. Although hands-on, craniosacral therapy bridges the worlds of body, mind and spirit. I have included a few helpful links below.
Karen Rowan, LMT, CST, CranioSacral Therapist & Spiritual Life Coach karenrowan.com
Melvin Roy, PhD, Psychologist, trance work for musicians, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/melvin-p-roy-new-haven-ct/70267
Joyce St. Germaine, MS, E.D., CHt, RYT-200, certified hypnotherapist, shamanic practitioner, yoga teacher, thesacredjourney.biz