As I’m sat here writing this, the sun has come out and suddenly, in this moment, I feel that everything is not so bad. Within this I’m reminding myself to try and take each moment as it comes knowing that just as quickly as I feel lifted it can disappear just as quick, but even then that will change too. I know, like me, so many people are feeling an abundance of emotions, ever changing on a vast spectrum in this uncertain time and what can we do?
Well, I hope in reading this I’m giving you a chance to breath, relax (yes really relax) and reflect. We may feel that we are taking too much time ‘doing nothing’ and how can we possibly get more relaxed than this, but aren’t we best relaxed when we don’t have a stress in the world and are doing something we love? Which, I wouldn’t say is very reflective of the world we are currently living in, but also doesn’t mean we can’t aim to find space within this, even just for a moment.
In my moment, whilst absorbing all the sun I can, I’m reminded that whilst I’m missing my taiko family, being loud and lets face it having the best kind of fun: playing taiko, it still lives in me and that all of that energy will still be there when we come back together. I’m not going to stress over forgetting rhythms, not being fit enough or not knowing how to hold my bachi any more! Instead I’m going to have faith in that muscle memory we talk so frequently about and know that when I’m back with my people everything will come flooding back to me!
And to be even more transparent with you all, I don’t even need to have that much faith because I’m walking around my home 24/7 tapping every rhythm I know subconsciously! Luckily, living with Will (some might say unluckily), another taiko player, half of the time we start joining in with each other tapping our hands on any surface we are near and then dancing around (you know the dance) to which is normal followed by a laugh or a hug. I recognise that not everyone is going to be in the same positions as me, this is just my slice of reflection in moments of happiness that I am able to find. So to this I ask you, where are you finding daily reminders of taiko so apparent in your life still?
And trust me they are there, deep rooted in all of us!
I also know, that alongside this there is some resources coming your way that you can make use of and keep you sustained (see why I’m able to be so positive now!). We couldn’t thank you more for your patience during this time and hope that you can make the most out of everything we will be offering over the coming months! I encourage you whilst watching our videos (if you want to join in with the videos get in touch), to find breathing space as you would normally deep in your belly and lungs, to switch off to the outside world and to follow along with as much energy as you have to offer.
I hope in reading this, as I try to remind myself, I’ve also reminded you to give yourself space and time (more than usual). Continue to stay in touch any way possible, share your reflections on joining in and most importantly I hope you have fun!
Kaitlyn
photo by Myrtle Cooper