Hello, again!
I absolutely fell off the face of the opera-earth for the last year or so. Motivation and self-confidence have always been things I've struggled with, and life definitely had them get in my way. There have been a lot of positive changes, too, though, while I have been on a singing-hiatus. I lost 30 pounds, found an amazing teacher, met some amazing people who have changed my way of thinking to more positive thoughts, becoming steadfast in my singing career goals, and was promoted to Assistant Manager at my job.
My newest vocal exercise is what my teacher calls "Open, drop, floooooow," and I like to think it applies not only to vocal technique, but to my new life philosophy, as well. Positive affirmations have been working wonders for me lately. I feel like a completely new person. "YES, I CAN!" :)
One of the hardest things about being a singer is believing in your talent, potential or established, and not allowing negative thoughts and insecurities inhibit you from making changes in agreement with a singing career. From auditioning, quitting a job that is not flexible enough for a rehearsal/performance schedule, or even practicing on the reg. Well, that's where "open, drop, flow" comes in. Whenever I am faced with a new challenge or opportunity, I try to consciously stop and "open" my mind to the possibility, "drop" my self-conscious thoughts, and "flow," go for it full force.
How does this apply, you ask? Well, it could be as simple as daily vocalizing. Every day I find it difficult to have mindful practice sessions, because I am well-practiced in negative thinking that my voice sucks, so why bother, or I don't know how to practice properly, so I'll actually be doing more harm that good, or any other number of excuses.
OPEN. DROP. FLOW.
I set aside one half hour every day to practice, at least, and when those thoughts start creeping in as the time approaches, I open my mind to all the benefits of daily practice, what I do know about practicing, and what my teacher gives me as "homework." I drop those insecurities, telling those nagging subconscious voices, as a very awesome person once told me, "Thanks for sharing." I sit my butt down and practice.
Logging onto the audition sites, I see an audition opportunity. Where I would talk myself out of submitting my resume and auditioning before because I believe I'm "not good enough," or I would "never get it anyway," I instead ODF. OPEN: Yeah, I might not get it, but what if I do? What if I network, or meet someone who would love to hear me in another 5 years and will check in then? DROP: Acknowledge my insecurities and fear, and let them fade away. FLOW: Send in that resume, son!
Now, "Open, drop, flow," is not a one-time fix-all. When I get frustrated in my practice, or even lose focus for a minute and those voices creep in with their input on how I'm doing, I have to OPEN, DROP, and FLOW all over again. But just like the vocal practice of ODF, practice will make permanent and it will become second-nature. A more confident and secure vocal technique, as well as mental attitude will begin to emerge. That is my end-goal.
Now, I'm off to practice before seeing my amazing personal trainer at 4, and going to Carmen rehearsal tonight. I challenge you this week to OPEN, DROP, FLOW. If it is even getting out of bed in the morning, wondering how you are going to make it through the day, just smile and ODF. Let me know how you feel on Saturday. :)
Smiles and songs. <3
