How Long Must I Practice?

The answer is illustrated quite well at this introductory page for Aikido FAQs. Scroll down to " An old story might tell you some of the mindset you ought to apply when studying martial arts". All your attention must be on finding the Way.

'lifting hands' & 'playing guitar'

these are two positions for rooting discipline when 'the heart of the foot should adhere to the ground' [see Book 4 of my previous entry]. Here, one is reminded of the fundamental rooting practices, standing on one leg first and then the other for several minutes. One can use fingers on the back of a chair at first to help maintain balance and gradually get to the point of not needing the hands at all.