More wisdom from the “kitchen table"

Greetings,

This is another inspiration from "Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal" by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., published by Riverhead Books, New York.

Regarding intention, she writes:

“When we pray, we stop trying to control like and remember that we belong to life. It is an opportunity to experience humility and recognize grace.

Sometimes the most powerful prayers are also the most simple. …

May we be helped to do here whatever is most right…This traditional American Indian prayer is a powerful way of embracing life, finding a home in any outcome, and remembering that there may be reasons beyond reasons.”

I believe intention is the most powerful component in teaching. I am conscious that my words can act as a catalyst for the musical and personal growth of each student, in ways I cannot imagine, often without my knowledge.

My intention is always to do no harm. I begin each lesson with the hope that my words are the “most right” for that particular student to hear on that particular day.

I felt inspired to share these thoughts with you today. I know they are the “most right” words for someone who will read them.

Best,
Catherine

"ENDBEGINNINGS"

Greetings,

One of the books on my summer reading list is Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., published by Riverhead Books, New York. The author is an oncologist/psychologist who helps patients through the processes and opportunities of healing and growth that can present themsleves during treatment and recovery from serious illness.

Don't worry--as far as I know I am quite healthy, but I am close to several people who are currently in this situation. In similar past situations, I often did not have a framework for knowing how to effectively help with this process.

This book contains many short, inspiring, true stories imbued with practical wisdom --yes, even for musicians!
So much for the intro.

I was reading chapters from this book between naps on a recent flight and the following words hit home:

I was thirty-five years old before I understood that there is no ending without a beginning. That beginnings and endings are always right up there against each other. Nothing ever ends without something else beginning or begins without something else ending. Perhaps this would be easier to remember if we had a word for it. Something like "endbegin," or "beginend."

Brilliant! Think how this applies to articulation, both single tonguing and double tonguing...

Your philosopher/flutist,
Catherine