Stage Anxiety to Flow: Lessons from an Open Mic Night

Last Thursday I dusted off the guitar and hopped on stage at the local Surfcoast open mic.

I’ve played in front of people before, so I had some prior experience. I knew that unless the crowd of open mic aficionados turned feral, I’d probably survive. But it had been a long time between gigs, and the nerves were very real.

In the past, I’ve had a strange problem when playing live.  My left hand would cramp up, making it almost impossible to keep holding guitar chords. At home I could play for hours with no issue, but in public the hand seemed to betray me. I later realised it was related to performance anxiety, the guitarist’s version of the golfer’s “yips,” where involuntary spasms make the simplest actions impossible.

Driving down the highway towards the Bells Beach Brewery, I noticed the same familiar tightening in my left hand as I gripped the steering wheel.

Instead of resisting it, I tried something new. Using the “letting go technique,” I brought awareness to my hand and forearm. Rather than fighting the tension, I leaned into it, observed it, and even spoke to it. I thanked my hand for trying to keep me safe. Then I reminded it that what we were about to do, making music, was safe, life giving and something we were allowed to do.

Almost instantly, the tension dissolved. And for the rest of the night, it didn’t return.

It’s incredible how the body keeps score, quietly carrying old fears, beliefs, and limitations. But when we bring awareness to those signals, they can become invitations. Invitations to re-shape our personal story, to clear mental clutter, and open new space for creativity.

The open mic itself was a joy. The other performers were polished, the venue was welcoming, and the host, Kristy, kept the night flowing with generosity and warmth. Best of all, the music felt natural again. No cramps, no yips. Just music.

Where could your body be inviting you to expand your comfort zone?