Essential Routine

I don't know about you, but I've been practicing social-distancing for more than two weeks now to help flatten the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. But today is the first full day of NC Governor Roy Cooper's "stay at home for 30 days" order.  (It went into effect at 5pm yesterday.) Of course there is allowance for the provision of essential services and moving about for essential purposes, such as acquiring food and meds, exercise and outdoor time. You know, if this had to happen, I'm grateful it's happening in the spring.

In these days of lock-down and sheltering-at-home it's more important than ever to maintain a semblance of routine. Granted, there's nothing "normal" about not working, or working from home, or home-schooling kids, or that empty social calendar. Yet, you can still put structure into your day.

Give some thought to the flow of your day, such as: when you get up, when you go to bed, when you eat, when you feed the kids, when you take a walk, when you turn on tv, when you don't turn on tv ... and how about when you practice your music?

Music practice is a solitary endeavor and can serve to root us in our day. If you don't already have a regular practice time, maybe today's the day to start. Set aside a chunk of time every day. Don't be surprised if you find it difficult to focus, simply because of the anxieties associated with the current uncertain circumstances. Take it easy. Be kind to yourself. Maybe you don't want to tackle that insanely difficult piece right now. Play something you know, just for fun. Or get back to basics by playing scales, arpeggios, etc. Just play something! And when you feel like it, dig into something more challenging.

In a world where so much is out of our control, it is important to commit to practicing the things we can control. Don't use this time to forget about your own good habits and routines. Make your own daily schedule and stick to it during this time of sequestering.

Be well, and don't forget to wash your hands!