Weekly Insight #7 Part 1 Repeating with Purpose: How Mindful Practice Leads to Authenticity

There’s an interesting linguistic nuance between English and French that’s always caught my attention. In English, the word “repetition” often brings to mind the tedious act of doing the same thing over and over. However, the French word répétition—despite looking similar—is what we’d call a faux ami or “false friend.” It doesn’t mean “repetition” in the same sense; instead, it translates to “rehearsal.” The French language seems to acknowledge that repeating something isn’t just about rote memorization—it’s a deliberate practice, a preparation for the real thing.

When the French speak of répétition, they’re referring to rehearsing with intention, exploring the material each time with the goal of becoming more connected and prepared. This is a subtle but important distinction, and it’s one that I’ve tried to embrace in my own approach to practice. Repetition, whether in singing, public speaking, or any skill, is not just about fixing mistakes—it’s a path to deeper understanding, embodiment, and ultimately, authenticity.

As I prepare to start rehearsals (répétitions) for La Traviata in Biarritz,France. I’ve been practicing the French dialogue daily—not simply to memorize it but to make the language a natural part of my expression. One of the methods I use is creating a PowerPoint where I see only the lines spoken by the other characters before I respond. This way, I’m not just focusing on my own words—I’m responding to what’s being said to me. Each day, I find the language settling more deeply into my mind and body.

Through this type of mindful répétition, I’m able to connect more fully with the dialogue and respond authentically, even if the words themselves are prescribed. This process reminds me of a line from Friedrich Rückert’s Widmung, set to music by Robert Schumann:

Du hebst mich liebend über mich, 
Mein guter Geist, mein bess'res Ich!

Translation:
You raise me lovingly above myself, 
My good spirit, my better self!

These words capture the essence of how I approach mindful repetition—it’s not about achieving technical perfection; it’s about becoming a more elevated version of myself through each round of practice.

Memorizing Text We’ve Written Ourselves
Memorization isn’t limited to dialogue or text that someone else has written. We often have to memorize language we’ve crafted ourselves for a speech or presentation. I’ve found that even when we’re the author of the text, we can feel disconnected from it when delivering it in front of others. This is where repetition—répétition—can make all the difference. It’s about taking words that are on a page and making them an authentic expression of who we are.

Mindful repetition isn’t just about saying the same thing over and over. It’s about finding the rhythm, pacing, and nuances that make the words feel like a true reflection of ourselves. Each round of practice helps us explore new ways to bring our best self into the words, making them come alive.

How to Reframe Repetition as a Positive Tool

1. Reframe Your Mindset: Instead of viewing repetition as a sign of not getting it right, see it as an opportunity to discover new dimensions of the text or skill. Ask yourself, “What new understanding can I gain from this round of practice?”

2. Engage with the Meaning: Don’t just learn the words—immerse yourself in the meaning. Let each repetition feel like a conversation, not a script. By doing so, you can bridge the gap between memorized language and personal expression.

3. Focus on Internalization: The goal is to internalize the material so that it flows naturally. Repetition helps the words, phrases, and emotions settle into your being, making your delivery more authentic and effortless.

4. Be Kind to Yourself: Mistakes are part of the process. The goal isn’t to avoid mistakes but to learn from them. With each repetition, you’re laying the foundation for something more authentic.

Ideas to contemplate

• Next time you’re practicing a piece of text, ask yourself: How can I use repetition to deepen my connection to the words rather than just memorize them? 

• What new insights can you gain about the material through each repetition? 

• How can repetition help elevate your expression and bring out your best self?

When approached mindfully, repetition (répétition) isn’t just about drilling in words—it’s a process of transformation. Whether it’s language we’ve crafted ourselves or text we need to deliver exactly as written, each repetition helps the words settle into us, becoming a natural part of who we are.

This is only Part 1 of a two-part series exploring how repetition and rehearsal can lead to authentic expression and allow us to move beyond simple imitation. In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into the challenge of making prescribed language your own and transforming memorized text into something that feels natural and uniquely yours.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Moving Beyond Imitation: How to Add Your Voice to the Words, where we’ll discuss strategies for embodying language and using mindful repetition to elevate memorized language into authentic expression.

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