Overcoming anxiety and obsession (split from + & -)

[SusanN]

Regarding Terry's reply #13, I enthusiastically endorse "fake it til you make it"! There is evidence that even when you fake a smile, the very action triggers endorphins and starts you on your way to a happier place. I combine slow, deep breathing with a big smile before I step out onstage, and I would recommend trying it before you begin a practice session and see what you notice! I end up having a lot more fun.

[kashi]

I experience a similar problem as described in the initial post of this thread.

I've recently been listening to this Anthony Robbins program, which talks about false neuro-associations.  For example, when you're always angry coming home from work, you see your wife's face, and you come to associate your wife with the anger.  I think a similar thing applies to music.  I didn't realise it until last week, but I associate playing piano with pain and discomfort.  When I think about practice, I can actually feel physical pain sometimes.  This is in spite of the progress I've made.  Usually when I sit down to play/practice these days there are many things I can do pleasurably without pain.  To relate this back to the initial topic, I believe I also tend to dwell on what I can't do and therefore focus on the pain.  This is probably what has created a "false neuroassociation".  We should associate pain with certain movements, with a negative mental attitude etc.  We should associate pleasure with the instrument itself, with moving "effortlessly" and even with music in general.  Anyone got any suggestions on how to facilitate this?  I knew someone who suggested just sitting at the piano when you feel in a good mood.