Last weekend we turned back the clocks and many of us were able to get a little extra sleep. However, as I turn around in the hallways, it does seem like many are tired and maybe there is not as much energy emanating from and around us. Why is this? This led me to think about "energy" in general, and so I did an internet search.

The basic law of energy is that "energy is neither created nor destroyed."  The concept of conservation of energy does not mean "to save" energy, but rather to convert energy from one form to another as efficiently as possible. Car engines that burn gasoline convert this chemical energy into mechanical energy that propels the car.  Solar energy converts radiant energy into electrical energy.  Our bodies burn food to provide energy for us to move, work, or play a musical instrument.  Apparently the human body is very inefficient in this and most of the energy goes towards producing heat. 

Thus, I had an "aha!" moment where it occurred to me that partially lower energy is that we have colder days and maybe we are burning more of our energy to keep our bodies warm. Without realizing it, cooler temperatures are burning up our energy that may be pulling us away from our mental or emotional energy. Shorter days with less sunlight affect my mood and biorhythm because I am particularly energized by daylight.  Perhaps if we wore more sweaters, heated our bodies more, and turned on more lights in the house, we could keep our energy level higher.  I particularly love the holiday lights* that light up the darkness of our shortening late fall days.* Simply adding lights already can brighten one's mood. It is turning electrical energy into emotional energy!

Energy is also important in playing a musical instrument effortlessly and expertly.  As teachers, we are looking to teach our students how the proper use of the body leads to efficient use of energy.  I know that as a pianist, we use gravity as a natural force that makes our playing much easier.   Tense muscles in the arms and bad posture inhibit the arms to move freely or drop into the piano keys, Simply releasing the muscles so that gravity carries the arm weight downwards can only take place with proper hand and finger positions.

We also use the principle of energy conservation by making use of the rebound of the arm to return to a higher position that allows the next "drop" of the arm. This down-up motion of piano playing is similar to the dribbling of a basketball or the skipping of stones on a surface of water.  The ball or the stone does not require its own energy, it simply transforms the energy from a downward direction to an upwards motion.

As we approach the holidays and our shorter days of sunlight, we should all be mindful of our energy levels and how we can transform our energy efficiently by directing it expertly towards that which matters.  If our energy is directed towards positive feedback and interactions, that same energy begins to rebound back towards us also in a positive manner.  

In our Suzuki Preschool, the students are using marbles as a symbol of something they are thankful for and filling a jar of "gratitude."  In this way, we understand one another and encourage one another to be kind.  If we share our kindness, our caring, our gratitude with one another, this energy will continue to rebound back to us but also could propel others forward in a positive way. 

Sachiko

For more on energy: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/what-is-energy/laws-of-energy.php

PS *On Sunday, December 3rs at 4:45 pm, the Waban Improvement Society will celebrate "Waban Lights" in front of the Waban Library Center with holiday carol singing, hot chocolate and snacks.  The singing will be led by our Musicianship faculty Rose Hegele---so come join in on this free neighborhood event!

Sachiko Isihara

Executive Director

Suzuki School of Newton