ok so i'm in high school and i play the flute and i have all-region (it's a contest that musicians go to and they play music they've worked up) tomorrow and i know i am a good player, but i tend to get really worked up and shake, affecting my playing. does anyone have the same problem and if so..anything to help me calm down? i heard bananas work..but any other ideas?
2006-11-19 05:45:37 · 8 answers · asked by black_pixie 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
One of the most effective ways to change ANY physical/emotional state IMMEDIATELY is by utilizing the breath.
Sit down on the edge of a chair. Make sure that you keep your back straight--do not slump or slouch. Keep your head from tilting up or down and have your shoes/slippers off and keep your feet flat on the floor. This position will ensure that the flow of the subtle energy (known as prana/chi/ki) within your body can flow efficiently and that your body can receive the universal prana/chi/ki and utilize it properly and effectively.
Bring your thumb and index finger gently together, forming a circle and rest your hands on your thighs, palms facing up.
It is most important to breathe from your belly/abdomen area, not from your chest. Inhale and exhale through your nostrils only--do not do any breathing through your mouth as this is totally incorrect.
SLOWLY-- begin to inhale (try using a count of 1-5), and bring your breath up from your sacrum (base of the spine) all the way to and through the crown of your head. At first, this may not be possible to do as you will begin to feel/sense blockages within your body. When you come across a blockage, do a short, rapid breathing called "pranyama."--
Utilize your diaphragm (just below your rib cage) to "pump" the breath in short, rapid spurts--inhaling and exhaling--(go at a pace that is comfortable for you--it's not a race, and do not force the breath). Try this for a few seconds--your diaphragm will start to get a bit of a workout, stop and then resume with the inhale, beginning at the base of the spine. When you come to the area that was previously blocked, see if you have dissolved or lessened the blockage. If you have, your breath and body will move past the blockage and feel a bit expanded. It is very important to NEVER FORCE THE BREATH!!!. Let it find its own way. Each time you find a blockage, use the pranyama to dissolve it. When you are able to bring your breath to and through the crown of your head, SLOWLY exhale from your crown, down through your sacrum.
Try this technique for 5-10 minutes. STOP IMMEDIATELY if you feel lightheaded or dizzy, etc. This means that you are forcing and straining and is not correct.
Although this method sounds a bit involved, in reality it is quite simple to do. When done properly (of course, it would be ideal to be able to demonstrate this in person), it has an amazing, immediate and very powerful healing and calming effect. This method is very ancient, comes out of the Ayurvedic healing system which goes back 8,000 years. It was passed down through the generations and is not something that can be found in a book.
The breath is the connection between our mind/body/spirit. Most of us breathe incorrectly and eventually suffer the many health consequences of these
poor breath patterns. Any trauma or, for that matter, any joyful feelings become locked into the breath--and until they are released, through the breath, stay with us, literally within the tissues.
When one loses control of one's emotions it is because one has lost control of their breath. Only when we are able to master our breath, will we truly master our Self--and be free from all fear, anxieties, anger, frustration, all negative, destructive emotions. That is TRUE FREEDOM.
Best of luck in your performance.
2006-11-19 06:37:32 · answer #1 · answered by Phoenix Rising 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take a deep breath and count to ten.
It's understandable that you're nervous. But the best way to do well is to just relax and flow with the music.
Try lying down and imaging yourself playing the flute as you would ideally. Imagining things can help boost your self-confidence.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll be great!!
2006-11-19 13:49:04 · answer #2 · answered by Bookworm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a trick that airline pilots use when they need to relax and focus on the task at hand...inhale, hold for 5 seconds, exhale. Do this for 1 full minute. They swear by it. Never heard of bananas having a calming effect. You'll play beautifully. Believe that.
2006-11-19 13:49:44 · answer #3 · answered by MegD22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two separate issues here; things that I can control , I work hard, try to do my best. And there are things that I cant never control ; that how others play. If I keep worrying about whether or not others play better than me ,I would have a nervous breakdown .Speak from my own experience. Wish you luck!
2006-11-19 14:07:53 · answer #4 · answered by sunflower12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try deep breathing excercises and picture in your mind a place like a serene beach or forest where you are the only one there.
Hope this helps,
P
2006-11-19 13:48:21 · answer #5 · answered by phoenix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems to me like stage fright. I would take a deep breath, exhale and be confident.
2006-11-20 01:06:12 · answer #6 · answered by ................................ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
juvenile's tend to be busy always, to expres the way they feel about th things happening to them. if you're really serious in getting a break, try to consider outing. it might help calm you down.
2006-11-19 13:55:59 · answer #7 · answered by geezebutt 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Relax: Techniques to help you achieve tranquility
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/relaxation-technique/SR00007
Learning how to Relax:
http://www.relax-online.com/Relxtechs.html
2006-11-19 13:50:51 · answer #8 · answered by kimandchris2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋