Two monks arrived at a river and met a young woman in need of help crossing. Though monks were forbidden to touch women, one monk carried her across, setting her down on the other side. Hours later, the other monk, still troubled, asked, “Why did you do that?” The first monk replied, “I left her at the river; are you still carrying her?” This Zen story is a valuable reminder for guitarists: let go of mistakes and past performances. Every practice session is an opportunity to start fresh.

Why Letting Go Matters in Guitar Playing

Guitarists often carry past mistakes—missed notes, performance slips, or frustrating practice days—as mental baggage. These memories can lead to self-doubt, hesitation, or even anxiety, especially when it’s time to perform or practice again. Letting go of past errors is key to improving because it frees you from overthinking and creates space to focus on what’s in front of you.

By treating each practice session as a fresh start, you can bring an open mind and positive energy to your playing. Letting go means embracing the present and welcoming growth without the burden of yesterday’s errors or regrets.

Risks of Not Learning This Lesson

Holding onto mistakes can become a barrier to growth. Here are some risks of “carrying” past slip-ups or underwhelming performances:

1. Performance Anxiety: Focusing on past errors can make you nervous about making the same mistake again, increasing performance anxiety.
2. Self-Doubt: Clinging to memories of missed notes or challenging pieces can make you doubt your ability, which may hold you back from trying new things.
3. Stunted Progress: Dwelling on mistakes diverts your energy and focus from learning, making it harder to improve with each practice session.
4. Decreased Enjoyment: Guitar playing should be an enjoyable experience, but carrying guilt or frustration dampens the joy of making music.

Unleashing Your Potential by Letting Go

Imagine leaving every mistake “at the river” as soon as it happens, moving forward with a clean slate. This approach helps you become a more resilient, adaptable, and confident guitarist. Here are some ways to put this Zen lesson into practice:

• Practice with a Growth Mindset: Instead of dwelling on mistakes, see them as feedback. Understand that each error is a chance to learn and refine your skills.
• Create a Reset Ritual: After each practice session, take a moment to mentally “reset” and let go of any slip-ups. This way, you can start the next session with a fresh perspective.
• Focus on the Present Note: During practice, concentrate on each note as it comes, rather than worrying about previous mistakes or what’s coming next.
• Embrace the Process, Not Perfection: Acknowledge that the journey is more valuable than flawless execution. Embrace each practice session as part of your growth.
• Leave Past Performances Behind: After performing, reflect briefly on what you did well and what you could improve. Then, mentally leave the performance behind, so it doesn’t weigh on you.

Conclusion

The lesson from the two monks reminds us to let go of what no longer serves us. As guitarists, carrying the weight of past mistakes only holds us back. By “leaving it at the river,” you can free yourself to enjoy each note, each session, and each performance with a clear mind. When you let go, every practice session becomes a fresh start, giving you space to explore, grow, and play from a place of freedom and joy.