Awkward.
That’s it. That’s what learning feels like. It’s always awkward in the beginning. Unless it’s not for you. Congratulations, you’re a savant.
But, for the rest of us, learning a new skill can be quite frustrating at the start.
Last April I picked up a Ukelele for the very first time.
I attempted to learn to play guitar when I was 18, but that only lasted a few days.
Awkward and painful wasn’t something I could get into, seeing as that was the current theme of my life at that time.
But, 30 years and huge perspective shifts later found me ready, willing and able to try something new.
What I’ve developed over the years is an ability to be comfortable in between where I am and where I’m going.
Not knowing is ok.
Not being proficient. Not being great. Feeling awkward. The pain of creating the calluses, all of it is ok.
None of it comfortable, all of it ok.
And in any moment, that’s what we’re reaching for. The feeling of OK.
It’s all OK
We’re not trying to jump from desperation to joy in a split second, although it is totally possible.
We just want to move from questioning and confusion to relaxing into all of it.
Thinking we’ll never get it, or questioning what we’re even doing trying this crazy thing, only stretches out the time it takes for us to get comfortable enough to become great.
We all have to start somewhere. And most times, somewhere is sticky, halting, a little painful and often frustrating. That’s OK. It means you’re on your way.
Being comfortable all the time might be what we think we want, but it’s not what a life of adventure is made of.
Say Yes to the Call
The moment I received the text from my dear, sweet friend and Uke jam buddy, Mags Baker saying she was going to the open mic at Lockhart Arts & Crafts and invited me to come on stage with her, I said YES.
WHAT? Me, Crystal Nuding, said yes? Yes, to getting on stage, and doing something I’ve not yet mastered? What? Who IS this chick?
Yes, folks, that’s right, it’s me! I said yes. And, I did it. And it was amazing. I can’t wait to do it again. Yes, please and thank you.
I met Mags at Good Things Grocery and we quickly connected. Her positive outlook in the midst of an obvious frustration immediately endeared me to her. This was my type of gal, and I told her so. We soon began meeting up at Good Things Grocery in Lockhart on Sundays for Uke Jams. This was a fun and powerful step I took towards learning and growing my new skill that consistently brings joy, connection and satisfaction to my life. Yes, please and thank you. Being willing to put ourselves out there in meaningful ways changes things. We move, God moves. Comfort zones are meant for recovery, not living.
Who I am as a human being has shifted so much over the past few years… less nervousness and neediness for things to be a certain way. Less requirement for absolutes and guarantees. More willingness to experience everything with less and less judgement of myself or others.
The shift is upon us, and I am feeling it.
My ability to let go of old ideas and habits has been getting easier and easier. Along with my willingness to do things that are good for me, please me and bring me joy. Which is definitely saying something, since I was trained into people pleasing, like many others.
It hasn’t always been this easy. I’ve known the things “I know” for a long time, but I definitely feel things being easier and that life is more and more on my side these days. Yes, please and thank you.
Start Something New
If you’re ready for change in your life, now is the time to get started.
Learning the Ukelele has been a perfect example or snapshot of what it’s like to learn a new skill.
At first I had so many questions… How do I hold it? How do I strum properly? How the heck do I sing and keep my strum going?!? Am I doing it right? Oy. Ha!
Conscious creators often ask similar questions. How do I more quickly shift from thinking to feeling? How do I let go of something that upsets me so much? How do I relax around something that feels so big, daunting, upsetting?
So many questions… to which I now have the answer.
However works best for you.
Once you have learned the basic skills and gained a little bit of knowledge, you get to figure out how it best works for you. Support in the beginning is always a good idea.
We have to outlast the process, gently and lovingly allowing ourselves enough time to move through the energy of “I can’t / I don’t know how”.
This is true with everything from learning to play an instrument to the game of conscious creation.
At first, it’s awkward to not follow our mind down every negative thought path we start to think.
Not buying into the struggle or the old story of “that’s just how things work” is a huge departure from the fear and trauma programming we were raised by.
It only worked that way or had to be that way because that’s what we thought and how we saw things.
But, from this new space of recognition and acknowledgement, that life changes with our shifting of the energy, everything gets easier.
Relaxing, breathing and allowing what is to be OK, is the first step to shifting and changing what is.
Whether you’re new to the game of conscious creation or just picking up a new hobby, allow yourself to move quickly through the questioning and needing to know.
The mystery can quickly give way to the beauty and wisdom of the moment and fulfillment is the order of the day.
I love you so much!
Crystal
Mags Baker Uke Jam facilitator extraordinaire!
If you want to learn to play the Ukelele check out her new online course.
Beginner Uke Course
Crystal Nuding, Consciousness Coach and Master Soother and Up-lifter for 25 years, is helping soulful individuals and purpose driven humans who are ready to live a life of peace, purpose and joy. Understand HOW you're creating your reality so you can change the world. It's easier than you think. Schedule a call now. https://calendly.com/crystalnuding
Crystal Nuding 
Leave a Reply