A Musician’s Advent, Week 1: Cultivating Stillness in Practice
As musicians, we’re all familiar with the rush of the holiday season - rehearsals, performances, and countless practice hours seem to fill every available minute. In the midst of this frenetic pace, it’s easy to forget that Advent—the season leading up to Christmas—is meant to be a time of reflection, stillness, and spiritual preparation. This year, let’s take a step back and discover how we can cultivate stillness in our practice as we journey through Advent.
The Gift of Stillness
The first week of Advent focuses on the theme of hope—the anticipation of Christ's coming into the world. In Philippians 4:6-7, we’re reminded, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In the midst of our preparation, the peace that God offers is available to us.
For musicians, this peace can often be found in stillness. It’s easy to get swept up in the technical aspects of our practice—perfecting every note, focusing on every detail. But what if we were to slow down and focus on simply being presentwith our music?
Practical Ways to Cultivate Stillness
Start with Silence: Before you pick up your instrument or start singing, spend a few moments in silence. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and center yourself. This intentional moment of stillness allows you to be present in your practice rather than rushing into it.
Practice Mindfully: During your practice sessions, aim to be fully aware of every note, every phrase, every breath. Don’t focus on perfection. Instead, focus on being present with the music, feeling each note resonate in your body and spirit.
Simplify Your Repertoire: Choose one simple piece—a hymn or carol—and focus on playing or singing it with full attention, without the pressure of perfection. Let go of any distractions and allow the simplicity of the music to calm your mind.
Hymn: “Be Still, My Soul”
One hymn that beautifully expresses the theme of stillness is "Be Still, My Soul". The lyrics remind us that God is in control, even in the midst of turmoil. It’s an invitation to trust, to rest, and to allow God’s peace to settle in our hearts.
Lyrics:
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
This Advent, I encourage you to let these words sink into your heart as you practice. Remember that in the midst of the busy season, God’s peace is there, ready to guard your heart and mind.
Conclusion
As we begin this Advent journey, may we find moments of stillness in our music and in our hearts. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, is available to us—not in the absence of busyness, but in the presence of His grace.
Until next time... Take care, my friends.
~ Christina
Invitation to Reflect: “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy – The peaceful, flowing nature of this piece brings a sense of tranquility and mindfulness, perfect for centering yourself in the present.
