Before you begin your daily practice session, or even before just 'messing around' with your ukulele, take time to focus on yourself, your instrument, and your music. Find a quiet spot and relax. Breathe deep and try to clear your mind.

        To begin, simply look at your instrument. Do not touch it yet, just look. Is it dusty? Are there fingerprints on it? Is there a sheen or is it flat? Look at the beauty and colors of the wood. What else do you see?
        Now you may pick it up. Look at it closer. Take note of any nicks or scratches, but do not linger on them. Acknowledge their existence and move on, not worrying about how they got there, just know that they are. Look inside the sound hole. Breathe in whatever aroma your ukulele has to offer.
        Feel your instrument. Tap the soundboard in different places, but do not pluck a string yet. How does it sound? Hold it against your chest and breathe. How does it feel?
        Now pluck a single string just once. Listen to it until it fades to nothing. It's okay if it is out of tune, you are just listening to the sound of the note it is playing. Do it again on the same string. Think to yourself, "This is the only sound in the Universe." When you've had enough, play a different string. Hear the voice of your chosen instrument.

        When you are ready, you may start playing your ukulele. Tuning, finger exercises, or whatever it is you normally do. Hopefully this excursive will help you be in the moment of your music a little more. Remember, this is one of the few things in life that you do just because you want to.