From Running to Guitaring? And How Zen Koans Help

I always thought of jogging as a tedious activity. What can you think about for 30+ minutes?

Also, seeing how far away the finish line is can be demotivating.

Not to mention doing it again and again…

It’s precisely the same with the guitar:

• What do we think while playing?
• How do we learn everything we want and achieve all our great goals?
• How can we keep practising the same things again and again?

I do run and play guitar consistently and enjoy them both. How?

By not focusing on the finish line and being present with what I do.

This Zen Koan summarises it:

“When I’m hungry – I eat. When I’m tired – I sleep.”

It’s easy to overcomplicate things and fill your head with thoughts and doubts:

• What if I don’t “have it”?
• Why am I so slow?
• How do others do it so quickly?

The simple way is: when you play – play.

Put any other thoughts aside and immerse yourself in what you do every moment.

You can definitely aim high and achieve exciting goals, but remind yourself to enjoy every step of your never-ending guitar journey.

If you mainly struggle, your guitar journey might end too soon, and your dreams will be unfulfilled.

Need someone to talk to about your journey?

I’m here for you. Comment below / email me / Message me.

• In the photos above: me running while the sun is rising