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Heartwings Love Notes 967 - Practice, Practice, Practice

A friend of mine recently told me as a result of covid confinement she'd tried to resume working with stained glass. She hadn't done that for many years. Much to her dismay, she found her skills were greatly diminished. She was unable to accomplish what she wished and made all kinds of mistakes. I sympathized. At one time, before I injured my shoulder, I was a guitar playing folksinger. Not having played in many years, one day I picked up my guitar and found I no longer play as I used to.

As a child, I took piano lessons. My mother disliked it when I practiced. She had perfect pitch and my wrong notes disturbed her. I was nine or ten and didn't like practicing anyway. The lessons consisted of songs to be repeated over and over. Repetition, or repetitive action has never been easy for me. In addition, the songs in the piano lesson book were quite unappealing, not to mention boring. The lessons stopped after two years and I didn't mind one bit.

I don't know if practice, as the saying goes, actually makes perfect, however I do know it helps. As I grow older, I have become increasingly grateful for any chances in my daily life to do so. I've grown especially fond of the small daily opportunities to practice patience. Life provides many teaching moments. Gardeners know about patience. Waiting for seeds to sprout is only the beginning of the gardening experience. Compassion is another good one to practice.

I remember clearly how helpful that once was for me. I had been studying a book on yoga that talked of the importance of compassion. While I was aware of this, I did not find it easy to do. However, I persevered; every time I caught myself being judgmental or critical, I reminded myself to open my heart. One day as I shopped at a supermarket, a young man offered to help me load my groceries into the car. Then to my horror he tripped, stumbled and dropped one of the bags. My first thought was not Oh I hope he didn’t break the eggs, but I hope he didn’t hurt himself. My practice had paid off and I was so happy.

May you continue to learn and grow for all of your days on earth.

PS Do you have any teaching moments to share? I do so love to hear from readers, either about their experiences or with any other comments. Please write to me at tashahal@gmail.com , or tashahal@aol.com. For more love notes, please visit my web pages at www.heartwingsandfriends.com.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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