the blahs, the blues, bummed out, don't feel like doing anything....
I mean depressed. But only slightly. Not clinically depressed. And it's not from the holidays, although that could be part. It's more of a doldrums -- no wind, no motivation. It's happened before, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for how to get out of it -- ie Willpower- force myself back to work. Change- a new environment or some sort. I don't know. I'm just tired of working on things. Seems like it's the same old, same old.
Hi Bob- I know you have had a lot of responses already, but I just felt like responding to you also. So I am.
Here is the thing... I think that we always have it in us to get out of the hard times. Sometimes it can seem deeply mysterious as to how exactly, but that is not my main point. My main point is that although I know there are honest to goodness reasons for the "blahs" at times, maybe things just aren't going so well, it is always a decision one makes as to what one does about it.
One has to decide that they do indeed want to climb out. It is somewhat of a mental game I have found. We get stuck somewhere and think we
are this way or that way and that we just have no choice about it. It becomes one's identity even it seems... to be down. Because of this, sometimes it is difficult to truly want to change, it is natural to want to hold onto who we
think we are. Especially if one deeply seekss to find one's self, and always wants to know more about life, it is tempting to hold onto whatever one thinks one has learned. But it is often
necessary to let go.
Perhaps the blahs come when you are scared to look forward. Perhaps they come when there is nothing that is very clear to see.
As musicians and performers, one must learn to rely on intuition and trust. It is no different than in the rest of how one lives their life. Ultimately one has a decision to make, that's all it is. How do you want to spend your time? How do you want to live your life? While it is good to remember that life is long, at the same time every moment counts, even if it doesn't always seem this way.
Sometimes we need honest to goodness help from someone else and it is very fortunate when that is there. But, the decision from you to move must come first.
Here are some things that I have found to be helpful (aside from piano):
1. Serious exercise (as mentioned above)
2. Meditation
3. Something creative... writing, drawing, painting, beading, wood working, etc
4. Writing a list of everything you need to do just to get it out of your head (sometimes the blahs come as a result of having a large load of things to do and not knowing where to begin, and getting overwhelmed)
5. Walks in nature
6. Talks with dear friends
7. Honest to goodness crying sessions
8. Learning a new word in whatever language interests you
9. Walk outside your front door and just listen to whatever you can hear. See how many different things you can identify, and just listen. Try to feel the rhythm of the "whole" and know you are part of everything moving around you.
This one sounds really strange... but if you are desparate enough... DO IT (it really works)!
10. Stare yourself down in the mirror. Find yourself within the image looking back at you. Beyond everything you are afraid of, beyond everything you are hoping to be. Once you see yourself, your true self, give yourself a warm smile and then a very stern talking to, or a very loving talking to, or both. Whatever it takes to get your feet back under yourself. Promise yourself you will keep fighting and that you won't give up, and mean it!
These are just some of my thoughts. Wish you the best,
m1469 Fox
Topic: I've got the blahs... [Bob asks]