Arguing with reality
I am an avid fan of The Work of Byron Katie. She has a very simple process for examining beliefs that we have about ourselves and our relationships. Her method of inquiry is very straightforward, yet profound, and is available for free on her website. Her books are inexpensive and wonderful, and I encourage you to read them for further understanding of the application of “The Work”.
She says, “When I argue with reality, I lose – but only 100% of the time.” This can seem pessimistic at first, but when you understand it, it sets you free.
When I am teaching a new student, I work hard to make an environment where we are free to make all kinds of sounds, and learn to make every result our teacher. Permission to fail is reinforced, in order to more efficiently find things to improve upon. It is a waste of our time and effort if we only suck on lollipops and do not try to change anything! The purpose of lessons is to train – to improve, which includes finding weaknesses and eliminating them, while increasing strengths.
I am not here to tell you everything is fine, and keep doing what you’re doing. I am here to keep you moving on your goal of constant improvement. Everyone can improve in some way. For me to ignore vocal weaknesses, or to deny that you can improve, would be denying reality. I have far too much faith in the potential of every singer to do that.