Be kind, rewind: how to come back to your instrument after a break

If you’re taking a break from playing either intentionally or unintentionally, this one is for you.
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Negative self talk and guilt in the practice room is common - trust me, I used to be a pro at this (I’m in recovery)
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But coming in from an extended break - OH BOY that can be a doozy.
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You go to practice, and you sound nothing like you did when you put down the instrument. Then you get frustrated with yourself, think some things you wouldn’t take if it came from someone else, and then put your instrument away sufficiently irritated.
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But you know what? After an extended period away, you’re not going to sound the same immediately.
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So we have to be extra kind to ourselves coming back.
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My go to for if I haven’t played in a ✨hot sec✨ is back to the basics - and just sitting in whatever sound I make.
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The rewind plan for me has always been:
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✅ long tones
✅ singing and playing
✅ the more basic of the harmonics exercises to wake up those lip muscles!!
✅ vocalises
✅ slower than usual finger exercises like scales
✅ hanging out in the noises I’m making that day
✅ something really fun to get my enjoyment and creative vibes back in the mix (like improvising!)
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And as always…
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🌸 BE KIND!!!
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Seriously some of the stuff we say to ourselves when we don’t like our own playing wouldn’t pass the vibe check if someone else said it to us.
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And really, that goes for any practice room negative self talk.