My Two Hands

When I drum, my hands have minds of their own. They're like two siblings, or two best friends, or a parent and child. Or even like two lovers. Together they've created so much. They've learned how each other works -- what one is good at, what one isn't. What patterns the other likes to fall into. What one needs from the other. And naturally with all couples, they've developed a relationship dynamic.

I fall into the majority that is right-hand dominant. So my Right Hand is usually the first to strike the surface. R L R L R L R L. Naturally, my Left Hand has learned to listen to my Right Hand and has become very good at evenly filling the gaps. My Right Hand sets the pace and leads the way, establishing the tempo. And Left Hand is the complement, striking on the up-beat. At ultra fast speeds when both Hands go into autopilot, the two gracefully collaborate to create something beautiful.

I recently picked up a new percussive instrument where for right-handers, one of the fundamental rudiments is played with the left hand first. L R L R L R L R.

Now, my left hand is the one that has to set the tempo and push the pace. And my right hand has to take the backseat and learn to listen and follow. And as a right-hand dominant, I've really struggled with this. The Hands are not ready for autopilot at fast speeds yet because inevitably, the Left Hand falls behind and the Right Hand takes over without realizing it. My Left Hand is not used to leading and being the one who's listened to. And my Right Hand isn't used to playing the supporting role. Both my Hands have much to work on. Left Hand needs to learn to be assertive and confident and set the pace, and Right Hand needs to learn to listen and follow.

This isn't just about drumming though. I believe many relationships have a Left Hand and a Right Hand. I think about all the times in my relationships when I've played the Right Hand, and when I've played the Left Hand. For many relationships, there may come a time when the couple needs to start playing L R L R instead of R L R L. I believe this is a pivotal moment and a fruitful opportunity for each Hand to learn something new about itself and its partner, and maybe in the process create something even more beautiful than ever before.