Musicians with Dystonia Bulletin Board

When I discovered the threshold, I had the exact feelings as you do - a confidence; a liberation; a joy and excitement beyond words. I had the feeling that the rest was just a matter of 'time'. The main thing was: the mystery was solved - for me it was.

And those of you who read my little article know that I found the threshold by pressing an old TV remote control button. And the initial trial took 2 hours to complete for just one finger (index). For the other fingers I did on consecutive days, one day per finger. Only the next week I dared to approach a piano for the real thing. For this I choose to do it at late night, 10:30pm. It was a time when my mind was still clear, but my critical mind (self-judging mind) was least active. I did it in total darkness, so I could focus only on the finger. And then I did also one finger per night.

Once the 'path' is reestablished, by patiently repeating it will strengthen the neuro-pathway. The correct 'path' will feel more and more at ease.

Sometimes it feels as if it may take forever to get back to a fast speed. And here is when you have to be really inventive: alternate your music selections, play what is accessible for the time being. Do not take on challenges which exceeds your current ability too much. Take regular rests. And, yes, that positive thinking - the gratitude of playing freely again after so long... It all helps the progress.

And of course every now and then you may fall back. Don't worry, you will know how to get back. It's a matter of patience. Initially the experience of recovery is going to be like stretching a rubber band. You stretch it and release it, and stretch it again and release it. The more times you stretch it, eventually it will stay long. So, you will be experiencing falling back. Just rest, and start over again; rest, start over again. Eventually it will stay.

Hope this helps.

My most sincere wishes to you all.