Nisha Purushotham

I am prone to being an All or Nothing type of person.

Efforts in language acquisition that don’t lead to fluency? An exercise in futility.
Research on a work related subject that isn’t exhaustive? A waste of time.
Correspondence that doesn’t include my entire extended family now sprawled out over 4 continents? A feeble expression.

I know my All or Nothing approach limits my actions and development.

Nowhere is this more evident than in my study and performance of world percussion. In this ongoing journey, technique building, rhythmic accuracy, and research of the cultural origins of traditional rhythms serve as valuable guideposts. However, there are times when I turn these guideposts into chastening rods that keep me “on track” and confine my creative exploration.

While jamming with a dear friend and soul mate in music recently, I took my tablas off the book shelf. It was the first time in nearly 9 months. As my friend grooved on old and new original songs, I began playing a blend of warm up exercises and improvised riffs. The foundational tones I used were softer and less clear than they were when I practiced daily.  The combinations of tones were limited and less fluid. As waves of judgement and disappointment rose in me, I centered my awareness on playing in the present moment. Gradually, my tablas transformed from ornamental decoration on a book shelf to an instrument in my hands. A profound change evoked not by virtuosic performance but a simple and modest act.

What simple and modest acts are evoking profound change in you and the world?