It can really be hard for me to focus on music. Life can get in the way and overwhelm me. Lately, I’ve been tired, mentally, emotionally, and physically and I haven’t had much left in the tank to pick up my guitar.
But I should. Not because of some idea of discipline that bogs down musician, but because I find a different level of peace when I track through an etude or a chord chart. Another world exists in the notes and when I ride them, it’s like I’m surfing along a perfect wave and all the crappiness of life dissipates into the flow.

Knowing this, it should be an obvious thing to do. Playing through a new piece should provide me with all the coping skills for which I could possibly ask. I forget though. Responsibilities consume my consciousness and can’t help but think, “listen mestizo — you have things to do. Quit this guitar playing crap and get back to reality!”

And I do.
I shouldn’t.

What I’ve learned within the last two (2) weeks (which have been among the most difficult work weeks I’ve ever experienced) is that love anchors me to a true reality. Work allows me to eat, but it doesn’t afford me much in the way of sanity. Love does.

My home and family life is an obvious source of love. But in the dark times of the day when my mind races and anxiety floods my veins, playing the guitar soothes me. Sometimes I just play. But lately, reading through an etude and practicing the song it represents has been the most effective way to find emotional calm.

A lot of times, I need focus and distraction to rid myself of panic and fear. An etude provides exactly those elements my soul needs. I find restoration in the chords and movements. And when I focus on a complicated line, the fear and panic fly into the sequence of notes. My heart rate normalizes. My mind calms. Whatever “real world” crap with which I have to deal overwhelms me less with the studying.
My guitar headstock points to heaven. It’s a built in roadmap.