Steering the Ship

I was remembering recently the concept of the warrior and how some of the images connected with it can be helpful to remember while we navigate through our day.   Not the warrior image connected with war or violence.  This image of the warrior is connected to the inner dialogue we have with ourselves and how we respond to all that naturally flows in and out of our day.   Being able to give the appropriate response to any given circumstance, expending just the right energy to match the situation,  never more or less.  A few of the images the warrior brings are clarity, strength, resolve, respecting our own and others boundaries  and trusting oneself.   

 We want to get to the good stuff all the time but are often dealing with all sorts of difficulties that arise.  How can we navigate and not lose our balance?  Here’s a situation for a musician where warrior image can be brought in. You may be a great musician but a common hurdle is this: in the eyes of others, it’s who you’ve played and recorded with that gives you credibility.  So it’s an uphill battle at times.  Someone really into Buddy Rich may judge all drummers “compared” to Buddy.  Buddy was a phenomenon, no doubt.  This is one of many hurdles we must learn to maneuver through because sometimes people have a fixed concept in their mind and you just aren’t “it”.  You’re not Steve Gadd. Or if you’re a new cat in town, it’s common to hear ‘ who is he?”.     Sometimes people’s thoughts and concepts block their view of seeing what is right in front of them.  And this is a good time to bring the warrior to play as this is one of many situations we must learn to deal with.  You need inner strength and calm not to get emotionally charged during what can be perceived as an attrack or threat. 

 Just watching the past Beijing Olympics when Michael Phelps was diggin’ in on the home stretch–what do you think his opponents were thinking?  “Go, Michael”……..  no way……… “slow down, Michael” may be closer to it!  Now if Michael let these thoughts get to him, it’d be over. He did the work; he trained hard and was well prepared.   You could see it in every fiber of his being,  his confidence, and his focus. Which is another important warrior trait. Confidence.  Not some ego based thing but when you really are prepared,  have done your homework, then you know you are going to do a good job and this is very grounding to feel.  Your playing is the proof.  It’s easy to “talk the talk” but can we really “walk the walk”…….

 What are some common responses to a perceived “situation”?   Anger, defensiveness, becoming withdrawn, etc., which many times leads us to play less than our potential.  So the situation can get the best of us if we let it, but having the mental tools to overcome any obstacle is worthy of some inner exploration.  Our attitude that we bring is one very important key.  So when conflict happens it usually is our attitude that determines the outcome. In one split second decision you can decide how you are going to handle a situation.   On a gig, with all the issues that may arise, If you can walk away saying you played well, then that’s great   Keep the rudder steady, focus and you can get through it all.  For me and so many pro musicians I know, it all becomes fuel to get back in the “Shed” and work on my playing.  All the negative thoughts seem to disappear when you get behind the drum set and start to work.  Hearing things you ‘d rather not hear about your playing is something we all have to deal with.  We must be our own critics, tape record our playing, and ask advice from musicians we respect. And study with the very best you can find. 

 The sum of the musicians in the room can elevate us all to play better. The old sum of the parts is better than any individual is great to experience.  When music really happens it’s beyond our thinking. When we are playing our absolute best we aren’t trying to make it “happen”.  When you hear, they are a “happening “ band, it’s because they really moved us, they got “ in” somehow, below our skin and they’ve taken us out of the mundane   We all are unique individuals, each one of us a unique imprint never again to be repeated.  We can imitate the masters, and it is an important step, to learn concepts and styles, but ultimately searching for, seeking your own identity on your instrument is paramount.   But maybe it’s not for everyone.  

 I’ve seen some of the most naturally talented people quit music.  For whatever reason and I really can’t judge them.  I hope they have found a great path for themselves. You can have a great career playing in show bands, cover bands or any other band and play extremely well in all styles…a great drummer for sure.  These situations don’t exactly require a unique voice, and yet they can be great stepping-stones if you keep a good attitude.  So much is in the attitude.  Others may get you down, literally spreading their toxic, psychic vampire stuff everywhere.  Be aware and be careful…Like Cat Stevens sang,………

 Facing each day anew with strength and vigor……. This is needed.  The daily grind can easily get under our skin and rob us of our peace and serenity.  Once these are lost, lower levels of being seem to take hold.  Fear and anger, restlessness, agitation of all sorts.   So be on the look out for all of these.  The timelessness behind the drumset can be such a beautiful re-centering thing when we bring ourselves to the instrument.   Our mental condition is important; it means something.

 So the benefits of the warrior image can be extremely helpful in overcoming daily obstacles.  Everyday renew your inner strength.  Proper diet and exercise will help this warrior mentality to grow, as your body and mind strengthen.  Don’t let anyone or any situation get you down.  The cool thing is that the more you deal with, the better you get at dealing with it