This is an exercise to help you hold your bow naturally. You will use a fork because:

• The flat handle of the fork gives you a lot of surface area so your fingers will feel secure


• The fork is very lightweight


• You can eat with a fork

For one week (or more!) you will be eating with a salad (short) fork held in a special way. Let's get started. Click on the photos to get a larger view.

#1: Hold the fork in your left hand by the tines. Start by flipping the fork over and placing the tip of your pinky at the base. (Note that in this picture, I'm not holding by the tines because I needed my hand to snap the photo).

#2: Now lay the handle of the fork against your forefinger, between the first and second creases. Keep your right hand comfortably curved and relaxed. You are still controlling the fork with your left hand.

#3: Let your other fingers curl around the handle. You are still holding the fork with your left hand.

#4: Take your thumb and place it on the handle so it lines up with your middle finger. To do this comfortably, it will have to contact the fork on the corner of the thumb that is closer to your forefinger. Now you can release the fork tines from your left hand. It will look like this:

#5: In order to eat while holding the fork like this, your right shoulder/armpit must be completely relaxed. Try and you will see that this is true. Can you eat like this and keep your right hand and shoulder relaxed? I bet you can! :-) To get it to your mouth, you'll need to swing your elbow in and let it carry your hand around so the fork faces your mouth.

This allows you to practice your bow hold in a controlled way while doing something you already have to do: eat. Do this for at least a week.