Milt’s Mindful Moment #3

I’m on my bicycle, loaded with gear and rolling through Arizona. It’s 105 degrees and I’m in the middle of an 18-mile climb that at times ramps up to 8%. Now, it’d be one thing to tackle a quick climb that hits 8%, but to continually slog up 4%-8% for 18 miles can put one mentally and physically in another world. And emotionally? It can get pretty ugly. I’ve been on this trip just short of two weeks into a projected three-month venture, and while the preparation and training seem to have paid off, I didn’t see this climb coming. It’s brutal and I’m exhausted. I finally reach a point where I will certainly sustain physical injury if I keep going. It’s a blow to my ego, but I have no choice but to stop and watch the cars zoom by. I’ve never had to do this, or rather, I’ve never taken the time to, but to go on is too dangerous. I could swerve into traffic, rip a leg muscle, or just pass-out. I’m dedicated to getting up this climb and truly believe that I just need to keep going, to grind away beyond the pain – something cyclists just do. I’m doing everything I can to make it up this long climb, except one thing: I’m not thinking of me. Truly, selfishly, thinking of me.

February and March (and the weather) can be really tough months for teaching, but I believe especially so for those of us in the rehearsal room. For many programs, it’s packed with basketball games, solo/ensemble prep, musicals, large ensemble prep, concerts and more. All that in addition to the mounting pressures of our personal lives. Have you found yourself just tired? Feeling burned-out, hopeless, listless or generally unmotivated? How about overwhelmed, numb or uncaring? Now, imagine that bike is your program – you’re on an “18- mile climb’ and you’re paying a price in energy and emotion that can cause you to swerve “off course” or “burn out”. And you’re not alone. So, what to do? How about this: be selfish!

I believe that being selfish gets a bad connotation, but in fact, it’s one of the most important things we can do for ourselves (and indirectly our students, friends and family). If you’re not operating at 100% (or at least 85-90%), you’re not doing the good you think you are. I’m not talking selfish in a negative sense; I’m talking in a positive sense. Simply put, retain yourself. You do YOU! Show up to your life. Do those things that keep you grounded and connected. Do you ride a bike? RIDE! Read, garden, walk, collect, smell, touch – whatever it is that keeps you relaxed, smiling, and in your own world. Show up for your life! Turn off the news and social media. Disconnect from the larger world a bit and make your world smaller. It’s these things that help retain your happiness and help to create who you are, as well as the uniqueness you bring to what you do. There’s only one of you and those who come into your space are so lucky to have the opportunity of that contact!

So, remember it’s okay to be selfish and take time as needed to reconnect with yourself – and others. Smile, laugh, love, and learn on your own terms. Then, get back on that bike and continue that musical journey with your best self on the pedals!