I use to admire people who can express their feelings and emotions through art, whether this is through songs, music, dance, martial art, sports, words etc. I like the control they show when releasing their emotions in whatever art form they choose. Now, I think the performing mind may be counter-productive to learning.
During performance, there could be 1001 things that may float through the mind. Well, during practice, other 1001 things may invade the thoughts as well, but there’s an added pressure when performing. Depending on the audience, we may think about the steps, the rhythm, the stage, the props, how the audience will think, will they like it, will the judges like it etc. All these thoughts will ultimately affect your performance.
I remember my first private lesson with my teacher, and it felt horrible. I was too eager to look good, and I eventually forgot my steps.
Similarly, during our push hands class, I do find some people trying to look good in front of others. To appear to be the more capable one, by landing someone on the floor or to the wall, like this guy over here. I find I learn more from people who does this, but doing it myself hinders my own quest to “search for the truth”.
When there’s an opportunity to perform in front of others, whether formally (like a competition or a stage performance), or informally (e.g. during group practice sessions), it’s useful as a focus for your own personal practice sessions. I found many people take part in competitions solely to force themselves to practise more, like a runner signing up for marathon so that he’ll run more.
While that may be a good thing, during the performance itself, the performing mind needs to be parked aside. You’re no longer performing. You’re doing what you can at that time. Never mind the audience, never mind the judges, never mind the students, never mind the teacher. Perform the truth, and the art will flow. Other things will take care of itself. If it’s not your time, it’s not your time. Do enjoy yourself when performing. Do enjoy yourself when practising too. It may be the only time you’re truthful to yourself.
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One Comment
Practice vs Performance. Practice is where you refine your skill and performance is where you put that skill to the test.
A very simple example is practicing one’s solo form on your own as practice. When you come to class and do the group form, where you know have to display certain attributes of your study (yielding, following, listening) as you do the group form, you are now performing.
Your performance should then feed back into your practice.
And so it goes …