I went to get a haircut yesterday and I noticed something peculiar. I've not been in this particular salon for a while and I noticed that the main barber now has someone who is learning from him.
The apprentice must still be at the early stages because he wasn't handling anybody or anything yet. When I came in, there were already three people there and the barber was barbing someone. The apprentice was standing beside his boss and watching. When his boss moves, he moves, no distraction, no questions, no nothing. Just standing, moving and watching intently.
I realized this after an hour I was already there, very close to my turn. But this should be the approach we give to life when we face any unfamiliarity. Nothing is hard or easy. It's all relative anyway. But with focus, guidance and an open mind, you can master anything.
I found this apprentice' focus commendable. The music and the television set playing in the background didn't concern him at all. He was completely onto his boss' movements and actions.
I remember when I started learning the piano. I went through a similar phase. Standing and watching my teacher play, everyday. It was hard, watching something you don't understand but still doing it anyway while worrying when it's going to be possible for you to be as good as your boss or teacher.
It was a painful stage of course. But that is how it always is. It was also boring as hell. You wish something will just happen or for the opportunity to be given to you to prove yourself. It's important that we learn to allow ourselves to be tempered at this stage. Nothing goes for nothing.
Years down the line, I understand why I had to stand and watch my teacher. I will immediately do it too to whoever I'll teach the piano to.
It takes perseverance, commitment, an open mind to be able to learn anything and I'm glad I came to this salon today to be reminded of this by the actions of the apprentice.