Heather and Angela share honest health updates and talk about how to keep learning harp when your body and energy levels are unpredictable. Together they explore practical, compassionate strategies for adapting your practice, staying motivated, and finding support when chronic illness or long term health challenges affect your harping.

In this episode:

• Heather shares an update on recovering from a DVT and pulmonary embolisms

• Angela shares her diagnosis of a rare chronic blood cancer (MPN) and the fatigue that can come with it

• Why listening to your body and following medical advice matters more than pushing through

• How to practise self compassion and avoid catastrophizing on harder days

• The power of tiny steps (even when you cannot play) and finding positives in the struggle

• Why your identity is not defined by your productivity, service, or illness

• The importance of community and support when health challenges feel isolating

This episode will help you feel less alone, and give you flexible ways to keep moving forward as a harp learner, one small step at a time.

Host:

Heather Downie - Harpist, Principal Lever Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Founder of How To Harp

Guest:

Angela Boraston - Harp Tutor at How To Harp

Learn with us:

https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with a harp friend. It really helps the podcast grow. See you next week!

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