14 Patricia Rüttimann VIOLIN, SWITZERLAND 2025 Teacher Trainer Appointments simplicity, paired with enormous depth. The principles are simple: look on the bright side, be aware that you are not the only one, and never stop learning about other perspectives. Of course, in daily life as well as in teaching, it can be a bit more difficult to understand. Even more important than understanding is the application, which can indeed be quite complicated. As a Suzuki teacher, one is genuinely passionate about the work, not only with students and their families, but also with colleagues. This is fantastic, and I would never want to live or work in an environment lacking passion, yet it can sometimes become ‘too much’. There is always the risk of focusing too much on one direction, improving and perfecting one aspect at the expense of another, and thereby losing sight of the bigger picture. We care so deeply for our children, and yet we are often in danger of throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I am deeply fascinated by the SUZUKI™ approach, and truly happy to dedicate much of my life to the many aspects of this method and philosophy, as I find profound meaning in it. For me, however, the SUZUKI™ Philosophy is, above all, the art of finding balance. Balance is not a fixed state, but an ongoing search and a continuous flow. We mustn’t lean too far to one side in pursuit of perfection—this will most certainly disrupt the balance. The importance of searching for balance can in fact be seen everywhere, at any time: in our posture, in our breathing, in the music, in delivering lessons, in designing the yearly plan, shaping workshop settings, and so on. There are always two extremes, and countless shades in between. Finding the right nuance for each situation is the true art of balance. These are just a few examples of how the search for balance manifests across different areas of life. Ultimately, it all comes back to two innate human needs: the desire to belong, and the desire to be unique as an individual. Of utmost importance is to feel the balance when it comes to our Suzuki communities: making space and giving space, both to ourselves and to others. And again, this is not a fixed state we can reach once and for all. Situations and needs within communities evolve, and therefore the balance must be continuously adjusted. So, How Do We Teach and Live By This Simple Philosophy? Perhaps by just letting the life force, also known as LOVE, blossom, and by creating a beautiful environment in which not only we ourselves feel safe and content, but also those around us. This helps us connect within our communities, feel part of something bigger, and yet remain true to ourselves. I am grateful to be surrounded by so many interesting, kind individuals, some who, at times, challenge me in ways that encourage deep reflection and remind me to be grateful. I hope not only to grow as a person, but also to help others find their own way. One of the beauties of the SUZUKI™ Philosophy is its
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