Dojo is a Japanese word meaning "Place of the Way". In the traditional Zen definition,it refers to the "ultimate way of life that governs nature and the Universe". It can also refer to a place of learning,the place we go to become attuned to our craft or course of study. Here, dojo will refer to the place in which you play your uke,such as a room,in addition to what I refer to as your inner dojo: your inner self and spiritual/mental space you're in when you're playing and learning.
The teaching of the development of the inner dojo is pretty much non existent when it comes to learning music. We're conditioned and taught from kindergarten on to approach everything you learn as tho you were in actual school. Hustle in,sit down,pick up your instrument and mindlessly dive in. We're taught the rushing into things is the way to show our dedication.
The practice of Ukulele Zen is different in this regard. One takes a few moments to relax,to become mindful,and bring ourselves into focus as much as possible before we pick up our uke. If you meditate,take a few moments to do a short mediation to clear your thoughts,and let go of the worries of the day. If you study with a teacher,or take a class with others,arrive ahead of time so you can get into this space.
For those who study at home,I suggest having some visual cues to get you into a mindful space (what I call your personal dojo). It can be as simple as lighting a candle (electric ones are great) or having a small nook where you could have perhaps a small buddha statue,or an angel,or anything that brings up serenity for you. Light the candle each time before you start to play,and when you pick up the uke to play it,with full focus,pick it up and play!
Far too many students "practice" their instruments with their minds somewhere else,either going over events from the past or projecting into the future. Be with your ukulele,and in a mindful present when you're playing. You'll find you remember what you're studying far easier than before!
The teaching of the development of the inner dojo is pretty much non existent when it comes to learning music. We're conditioned and taught from kindergarten on to approach everything you learn as tho you were in actual school. Hustle in,sit down,pick up your instrument and mindlessly dive in. We're taught the rushing into things is the way to show our dedication.
The practice of Ukulele Zen is different in this regard. One takes a few moments to relax,to become mindful,and bring ourselves into focus as much as possible before we pick up our uke. If you meditate,take a few moments to do a short mediation to clear your thoughts,and let go of the worries of the day. If you study with a teacher,or take a class with others,arrive ahead of time so you can get into this space.
For those who study at home,I suggest having some visual cues to get you into a mindful space (what I call your personal dojo). It can be as simple as lighting a candle (electric ones are great) or having a small nook where you could have perhaps a small buddha statue,or an angel,or anything that brings up serenity for you. Light the candle each time before you start to play,and when you pick up the uke to play it,with full focus,pick it up and play!
Far too many students "practice" their instruments with their minds somewhere else,either going over events from the past or projecting into the future. Be with your ukulele,and in a mindful present when you're playing. You'll find you remember what you're studying far easier than before!
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