My Tryst with the Mirror and Music

When I was little, I was regularly asked by my mother to stand in front of the mirror and breathe. Breathe correctly. Breathe deeply. I would get amused at this directive. Nevertheless, I spent time blowing vapours on the mirror and watching them disappear. I made faces, admired myself, and wandered off after some time.

Then, while studying in college, I was asked to join singing classes. I was told that while learning to sing the various notes, I would automatically learn to breathe correctly. I protested: But I AM breathing. Again, I was bemused at this directive.

Singing was not my passion. Reluctantly, I started attending the singing classes. I was appalled to know that all my co-singers in the class were eager, wide-eyed tiny tots. Some of these pint-sized singers were younger siblings of friends and other known people. This was embarrassing. They seemed to master the notes, pitches, and ragas at the first attempt. They had sweet, tender voices. My grown-up loud voice rendering the ragas and pitches scared me and probably them. Now, this was highly embarrassing.

I was uncomfortable with this entire singing experience. I prayed for my music teacher’s transfer to some far away city or country. I prayed with real devotion. With-in a month, she had to shift cities. My mum was disappointed with this sudden, unexpected transfer.

Years flew by. So did life. I learned many lessons. Some important ones:
If life brings joy, take a deep breathe and enjoy.
If life brings sorrow, take a deep breathe and let go.
If life brings stress, take a deep breathe and then deal.
If life brings happiness, take a deep breathe and smile.
If life brings anxiety, take a deep breathe and learn to relax.
If life brings fear, take a deep breathe and be brave.

Take a d-e-e-p breathe.

Deep breathe seemed to be the golden solution. Panacea. Energy. Life force. Life.

So, just for fun, I searched, ‘how to breathe / deep breathe / deep breathe correctly...’The results that showed up went something like this:..when you breathe in correctly, the abdomen should come out. When you breathe out, the abdomen should go in…

Mine seemed to be just the opposite. I double checked. No, it didn’t seem. It actually was.

I suddenly remembered the mirror. I went and stood in front of the mirror and asked: Where is my music teacher?