{"product_id":"2940012821379","title":"A philosophy of rhythm","description":"Rhythm, an element of beautiful music, has become the prevailing theme in certain areas of life. Can rhythm be produced by rational means? If so, one would have to work from a definition. Rhythm, however, seems to defy such formulations as knowledge. Skilled musicians can describe the qualities found in good compositions but, in the end, cannot create beautiful music from a formula. Rhythm’s production is too personal and tied to habit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sports competition offers an excellent opportunity to observe rhythm in its various aspects. First, there is a need to practice techniques needed in the sport. Then the sports competitor needs to learn how to get himself or herself up for the competition, both physically and mentally. For this, sports psychologists teach such techniques as visualization, positive thinking, and narrowing the focus. Good sports performance involves holistic thinking which blends technical awareness with a general sense of control. Ultimately, the mentality of peak performance leads to a feeling of standing outside the activity as a passive observer. Some call this awareness, “finding the tunnel” or “being in the zone.” It is an almost mystical experience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo produce rhythmic expressions requires patient cultivation of habit. Habits are tendencies formed by repetitious activity which allow the body and brain to perform something without active thought. Rhythm is a condition of highly perfected habits underlying superb performances of music, sports competition, and other personal routines. However, rhythm cannot be approached directly; it waits for the right circumstances. Unlike goodness, the practitioner of rhythm is not required to remain in a state of constant virtue. The performer alternates between relaxing and intensifying psychic effort and does not try to force. Rhythm emerges unexpectedly in times of peak performance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough proper concentration is the key to rhythmic performance, concentration is achieved less by positive exertions than through surrender. Mind’s second awareness, self-consciousness, stands in back of an activity providing a sense of coordination. During rhythmic concentration, one focuses upon interior elements of the situation and does not allow its own movements to become conscious. Mind must avoid such distractions. It must find some little trick to suppress self-conscious thoughts when they arise in order to keep the rhythm going.","brand":"Thistlerose Publications","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47081839132912,"sku":"2940012821379","price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940012821379_p0.jpg?v=1763573178","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940012821379","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}