Earth. Returning and caring

As I wrote in my fire journal, I have almost zero earth quality in my body. If I take that literally, it would mean I'm not naturally good at consistency or routines.Well, it kind of makes sense. But that’s just my excuse, and if that’s the case and I am not strong with the quality, that’s why I need to learn how to practice and strengthen it. My attention tends to wander everywhere. I am doing something then get a new idea, so I start something completely different and leave the first task behind. But maybe it’s not just me. When that happens, having a clear intention and genuine excitement often brings me back to the practice. And as long as you come back to practice in circle, it’s fine. 

I've come to think of Earth as the practice of returning to what supports me. Having strong foundation is the key for you to have flexibility and freedom in what you do. It can be physical practice. If the soil is healthy, the tree can grow. But healthy soil also needs care. Cultivation is simply the practice of caring consistently. As a freelance musician, it is very important to maintain my own mental and physical health, otherwise nobody takes care of me and we don’t have insurance for sick days. 

It feels like I've lived many different lives. And sometimes daily flow can change drastically. I want to wake up early and start my day with yoga practice and meditation, and finish all the office work in the morning. But sometimes, my job doesn’t allow me and I find myself sleeping until noon. 

But that’s ok. 

Next day, or in my own pace, I go back to my regular routine. I know what works for me. So even after days or months of messed up life with full-time-day-job, or when I am busy touring with a band, in between the time, I sit down with myself and go back to my routine.

Hot water, first thing in the morning.

Yoga.

A long walk.

Cleaning the house.

Basic drum practice.

Listening to my favourite music.

Decorating my room with things I love.

A sauna or a long bath.

Cooking.

Sharing a nice meal.

Fresh fruit and vegetables.

Less caffeine. Less gluten. Less alcohol.

These are the ways I return to myself. Your list will probably look different. The important thing is finding what helps you return to yourself.

One thing I've noticed is that, despite the stereotype of the hard-partying touring musician, many professional musicians today take great care of themselves.

Over time, I realised that returning to these small practices wasn't just about feeling healthy. It was also how I built confidence—in life and in music.

And musically speaking, foundation makes confidence. Drummers create the foundation, the groove in music. So many people told me that I am their favourite drummer because I just stay with the basic groove and make sure it grooves. I don’t play flashy fills, just because I can. I connect with the band and build the foundation so the others can sing and play solo on it. Unless you feel grounded beneath your feet, you can't jump or fly.

And basic routine practice makes you confident. That confidence supports you when you play in a band, because you have to create a home for others to come back to. Drummers have so much power in tempo and dynamics but again, if you are not sure about what you are doing, where you are, Drums is pretty tough instrument to hide it from. 

The other day, a friend challenged me to play quarter notes at 60 BPM. 

Then 50. 

Then 40. 

Eventually... 7.5. 

For an hour.

So today...

What will you return to?