I recently started learning a new piece of music on the piano. After just 3 attempts, I can play it in its entirety. I've actually learned it much faster than I would have before the TBI.

The way I play feels different. It's like I'm not thinking of the notes anymore, or even trying to remember a sequence. Instead I see shapes. I couldn't even find the sheet music for the piece today and somehow played it perfectly. I could see the shapes and my hands remembered.

My hands don't move like they used to, though. They're sluggish. I've been finding it hard to grip things and move them freely. It sometimes feels like they're underwater. It's hard to explain.

Why do my hands remember how to play, yet my mind forgets so much else? Is it muscle memory? Why am I now seeing things in shapes?