What do you guys do in a slump?

I just take a little break for a bit, just to chill out on the dama grind till I feel ready to jump back on it

 

I cant speak much because ive only been playing for a few weeks. That being said, when I cannot lace a trick, I have been challenging myself to see how long i can moshikame for. Thus far, 8 minutes is my top. I think doing the basics, challenging yourself on goals like that can be very rewarding.

I have been using kendama as a sort of tool for mental focus and discipline.

 

So I started my kendama journey back on Christmas and the past week I have hit a slump and it’s got me bummed. So far I can land all of my cups, birds, earth turns/mars turns, lighthouse, lunar, UFO, j-stick, base cup to lunar, stunt plane fast hand, down spike earth turn, turntable(kinda), airplanes, and some trick where you airplane then pop the ken up spin it like a tornado then spike it. Just not sure at this point if I’m where I should be if I’m being to hard on myself at this point or what but this slump blows.

 

It’s always ok to step back (a bit or entirely) for some time once you hit a slump. Definitely happens to a lot of us. If you’re really still wanting to push yourself try combining the things you already know into larger trick sequences.
Around Airplane is a fun trick (Big cup, throw to airplane, swap to small cup, throw to airplane, swap to base cup, throw to airplane).
Lighthouse Trades are fun too, you can trade to the spike, bird, nightingale, handlestall, etc.
Dont forget that the more you dive deeper into this hobby there will be tricks that will require more time than others (and some tricks will require far less time as well).

 

In a slump I usually bring out a pill and start playing with it. I find it gives you the feeling of lacing something for the first time again and brings back the fun of it all. I also sometimes pull out a mini kendama or a jumbo for the same reasons.