My planned adventure into the Celtic flute world never really materialized and went by the wayside as life and schedules played havoc on my practice. Most of that is my fault for not setting time aside for it. I tend to get all worked up about something new and jump right in and this was what happened. It is most certainly still on my list for the future and I
shall get to that. But....I must get back to shakuhachi practice. No, I NEED to get back to that as it was my first love in flute playing. It is also very meditative for me and centers me, my soul, my mind. So starting today, I will try to keep to a daily practice routine and advance. I say try as I'm a crazy. mixed up and always running fellow who never seems to stand still. Onward and upward!
Shakuhachi related news....as many might already know due to other posts on Facebook and Twitter, I had a great pleasure in meeting up with Perry Yung this month as he was traveling through the Portland area on vacation with his family. I have been corresponding with Perry a long time and have three of his shakuhachi, pictured below. These flutes have been HUGE for me and my life. One might say even "instrumental" (pun intended) in a life change that continues to this day.
Over the last few weeks I have been reassessing my dedication to the shakuhachi and it's effect on my life, where it has been and where it should, can go. Not much has changed in this as it remains a part of my life and this is something I cannot see changing. The sound, the music, the tone....Add the spiritual aspect that this beloved magical instrument brings to me and it is going NOWHERE. Granted, I don't dedicate as much time or practice to it as most of my fellow players from around the world. And there are a lot of them in my Facebook as well as Twitter life! The brightest stars and players as well as others like me who dabble and play when they can.
What I love most about the shakuhachi and it's call to me must still remain the spiritual part. The meditative quality and effect it gives me. Some people might not understand how a simple instrument can do this but I think most musicians will get it. But the shakuhachi or any other instrument that is part of a religious faith, spiritual philosophy or mindfulness based belief simply defies description in some ways. Sure, the komuso played the shakuhachi as a part of their own meditations or as a way to call for alms from others back in the 16th to 19th century Japan and other Asian locales and it is uniquely part of and linked to the Buddhist tradition that adds flavour for me and encourages me to continue my Buddhist philosophical studies as well, keeping me mindful and aware.
This blog has been part of my journey in flute music and it's various avenues. While it is primarily about the shakuhachi, I do want to explore other genres of flute music. As they appear and intrigue me, I will blog about them. But the impact and foundation is and will always remain all about the shakuhachi! Time will tell where I end up on this journey and how it will develop. That is part of the charm, the eye opening aspect as one simply never knows. Plans are not made far in advance. Living in the moment , now, in the present: THAT is what I appreciate. Now...off to practice!!
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