2010/10/31＊Takuro

「The power of concentration to concentrate on concentrating」

The amount of time one can spend in deep concentration per day is probably about two hours. I set aside that time for playing the guitar, writing lyrics and reading books.

But after band practice, I find that I’ve often used up all my concentration resources. Lately, our rehearsals on days when it’s been raining have been really tough. I can’t help but feel that way, even if you tell me it’s just my imagination. It feels like it’s harder to get our rhythm together than on sunny days. Nevertheless, rainfall doesn’t have much of an effect when we’re actually playing a show. It’s strange. We’ve had good shows even when playing in heavy downpour.

But I digress. When it’s a tough rehearsal like that, I use up my power of concentration. Also, on days before shows, I can’t seem to calm down. But no matter how big a show is, I seldom get so nervous I can’t sleep. It’s just that I can’t calm down.

At times like that, I just stay motionless, not listening to music or reading books. When I do, my body gradually starts sending me signals like “do some stretches” or “I want to drink something warm” and such. When I listen to those signals, I find that at some point my mind’s been refreshed and I’ve calmed down. I’m able to hear the tiniest of sounds. The sound of the fan spinning, or indications of someone walking outside.

I think this is the foundation for concentration — catching the signals that your body’s sending you. It feels to me like it’s very much connected to performing and production work. I want to acquire the kind of power of concentration that lets me concentrate deeply, immediately when I want to.

The reason why I’m writing a blog about this is basically, well, I’m actually having a bit of trouble calming down at this very moment. (laughs) Wahahahaha! I’m excited about the show ～. It’s our first time going to Asia University (obviously) and it seems there’s going to be seats as well. Whether 9mm’s audience sits down or stands up, whether it’ll be a gathering of people who’ll focus on making huge noise once we start playing or whether university students are the kind of people who don’t really do that, let’s have fun tomorrow. With that, I’ll be doing some stretching now. See you later.