The Stoic Drummer Newsletter Vol. 1
I appreciate you allowing me into your world and for the opportunity to share. May you all enjoy this as much as I enjoyed working on it. Thank you to those who continue to support the book, Revival Drum Shop and all independent shops. We all come from a common spirit: creating community and believing in something.
“DEFINE YOUR DRUMMING VALUES”
— from The Stoic Drummer Book
In this world where at times we can be easily pulled and distracted in so many directions - both good and bad - it’s nice to have reminders of our own musical principles and values to help us focus.
PRINCIPLES = “a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.”
VALUES = “the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.”
To help me re-focus when I need it, I recently wrote a “drumming mission statement” to remind me of what’s important to me as a drummer. It was fun to explore and a GOOD distraction for sure. Sitting quietly reflecting on when I first started playing, my career, the good and bad choices that I’ve made and researching creatives I admire to see if any of their characteristics aligned with mine.
I have to take a moment to thank Joe Chambers (Drummer/Educator/Multi-Instrumentalist/Composer), Robert Lax (Poet/Hermit), Tinker Hatfield (Designer) and Axel Vervoordt (Interior Designer) for their inspiring work and creeds. My drumming mission statement is short, but powerful and I love that it’s right there on my 5x3 index card whenever I need it. I also decided to apply the same practice with other aspects of my life; husband, father, friend.
I do believe we will come out of these unprecedented times better and wiser than before. That we used the time to center, to breathe, to grow and to rediscover the values and principles that really define us as drummers, creatives and most importantly, humans.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
“COURAGE TO CREATE" by ROLLO MAY (1976)
We all know creatIvIty is an essentIal component of a successful and fulfIllIng lIfe. Yet despIte its importance, it's a hIghly mIsunderstood phenomenon. Few understand its nature and inner workings, and are therefore unaware of how to stimulate it and use it to our advantage. This classic work provides a better understandIng of creatIvity and ideas on the topic. Definitely worth a look.
“The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it’s conformity” - Rollo May
“HOW TO THINK LIKE A ROMAN EMPEROR”
by DONALD ROBERTSON (2019)
This book is a wonderful introduction to one of history’s greatest figures: Marcus Aurelius. His life and this book are a clear guide for those facing adversity, seeking tranquility and pursuing excellence.
“The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes, the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way”
- Marcus Aurelius
“RADICAL COMPASSION” by TARA BRACH (2019)
The essence of the book empowers genuine change: healing fear and shame, with stories and meditations to help build authentic relationships. When we stop being at war with ourselves, we are free to live fully every precious moment of our lives.
“In the process of deeply accepting our own inner experience, instead of being identified with a story of a limited self, we realize the compassion and wakefulness that is our essence.”
- Tara Brach
ALBUM RECOMMENDATIONS
"FUR ALINA" by ARVO PART
All sparse and beautiful arrangements, some solo piano pieces, some duets with piano, violin cello and viola and one string quartet. The pieces on this record are all unique to the style of Arvo Part. Deceptively simple compositions that force you to live in the moment.
“LOVE DRUMS FROM THE GHETTO” by MALAKU DAKU
DurIng the mId-70s Malaku recorded and produced the album “Love Drums From the Ghetto”, an album that truly showed off his skills as an artIstIc genIus. WIth thIs album Malaku an important contribution to the never-endIng rIch heritage that Is AfrIcan American musIc.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Powerful insight from Mark Manson’s Newsletter "MINDFU*K MONDAYS". Really great and thought-provoking, to say the least.
Wonderful "FRESH AIR WITH TERRY GROSS" interview with James Nester. He discusses his new book "BREATHE" and the new scIence of breathing. Thanks to Dave Elitch for hipping me to this!
Final thought...
Embrace the slowness, the unknown and get back to discovering your true self, because when you do, you’ll make this a better world.
Stay safe, healthy and inspired.
Much love and respect - José
Feel free to reach out to me directly at revivaljose@me.com