I set up one of my dulcimers in a 4-Equidistant String pattern, tuned to C-G-c-d, kept it by my bed and played it when I awoke in the morning and before I laid down to sleep at night.

I did NOT try to play music.  Instead I began using repeatable mechanical patterns played slowly and evenly. In using these very mechanical patterns, I have found:

1. cleaner and clearer tone from my finger placement

2. a deeper awareness of what my fingers need to do to for harp-like reverb

3. attention that helps me prevent buzzes and inadvertent string bumps from both hands

The bonuses I also received that I DID NOT expect:

• a sense of calm by clarifying my focus, letting go of what has already been played

• a slowing of my heartbeat by settling into the patterns in a gentle way

• a peace that has accompanied my healing journey that provide hope for each next step

• unexpected "musical" results!

So I have gathered the 30 Etude arrangements together into a collection so that you can focus on just one a day for a month before repeating.