This game is to finding time as Sing Sa is to finding pitch. In Sing Sa we explored around a drone note, above and below it. We gently changed the frequency of of our note to explore how it related to the center. In this game we explore around a repeating simple beat, we change the “phase” of our beat to be just before or just after the actual beat. Why should we do this? As a practical matter, this kind of exploration teaches us to where the pitch or the beat is and how to settle into it. And that is great to be able to find the beat or the pitch whenever we want to. But that makes it sound like being right on the beat or right on the note is the goal, and it isn’t always. We are human spirits and we must wander, we must explore, we must adventure. When our beat comes before the actual beat, it feels like we are pushing, pressing, perhaps even a little bit fighting. When we play our beat after the actual beat, we are letting the beat carry us, letting someone else do the work of pushing, we are like the goose flying in the back of the line. When we move back and forth between these two ways of being, narrowing in closer and closer to the center, we are finding the middle, finding a peaceful spot. Somehow, it’s a little like life. Maybe it’s a lot like life.

Begin with a “Rhythmic Sigh.” 

Repeat a “Rhythmic Sigh” whenever you get frustrated or tired with “Metronome Ping-Pong.”  It will cleanse your system.

Set metronome to, perhaps 116 beats per minute.  (If this is too fast, then start slower.)

Listen to the ticking of the metronome.

Imagine someone hitting a ping-pong ball at you when the metronome clicks.  You must return these balls by clapping opposite the metronome.

Try to clap exactly at the moment in between the metronome ticks.

At first, it will probably sound as if you are returning the metronome’s serve – the metronome clicks and you reply.

Now try to subtly shift the game so that you are serving to the metronome and it returns – You clap and the metronome replies.  Try to maintain this state.  

Alternate between the two states. Be the winner, the server. Then switch to being the player running to catch up and return the ball.

Also.  When 116 becomes easy up the speed by one or two notches.  If you do this every day for 15 minutes, after 3 months you should be able to do this at 144 or 152 and your time will become perfect.  Try bringing the metronome and headphones with you for your daily walk or ride.