Confession: I haven’t actually read the book I’m referencing in the blog title, I just thought it would make a cheeky ice breaker.

I recently came across a Facebook post that intrigued me. It was concerning the “Five Hobbies That Everyone Should Have to be More of a Complete Individual” (or some other combination of buzzwords intended for clicks). Up until last year, being a musician was pretty much my whole identity. Then, as we are all well-aware, 2020 came in like a wrecking ball and totally shut everything down. I found myself struggling with the idea that I could not do the one thing that made me feel like a complete individual. Yeah, playing the drums by yourself in your basement is a lot of fun, and necessary for development, but let us not forget the original intention for drumming – and arguably music in general – was for communication. I grew up with (and still struggle with) a stutter, and although I have learned ways to manage it, drumming and music have always been a better communicator for me than speaking. I spent a lot of time practicing and feeling sorry for myself until I decided it was time to pull myself up and get back to living the best I could. I decided it was time for a hobby.

According to the aforementioned Facebook post, the five hobbies we “should” have are:

1. A creative hobby
2. A hobby to socialize
3. A hobby to stay in shape
4. A hobby to learn
5. A hobby to make money

When it comes to trying new things, my natural inclination is to jump into the deep end with both feet and see what happens. This time however, instead of tackling all five hobbies at once, I decided to take it piece by piece. First, I had to get over my hang-up about even having a hobby in the first place. As a rhythmically challenged individual, drumming did not and does not come easy to me, and for this reason I have allowed other aspects of my life to suffer. I was conditioned to feel that time spent outside of the practice room was time wasted, since there was so much for me to learn and perfect. 

Now armed with a different mindset – and a desire to stop spending so much money on produce that would inevitably go bad sitting in the fridge – I decided it was the year to try my hand at gardening. One fine spring day this year, my better half and I took a trip down to the local Home Depot to check things out. A few hours and a few dollars later, we loaded my 4runner up with plants, pots, soil, and just about everything else you can think of to start a garden. We spent the day planting and enjoying the weather (and each other’s company) and didn’t really think about anything else other than how excited we were to watch things grow. Since planting everything, I spend a few hours every day tending to my plants and just being with them. I’ve found a new sense of calm as a result. 

With one hobby under way, I decided to move on to another. A few weeks ago I started with a trainer at a local family-owned gym. After the initial shock of moving my body again, I really started to feel better, physically and mentally. I feel so clear headed after a morning workout, and enjoy the newfound energy that lasts all day.

You may be wondering where all of this is going, and here it is…

IT IS OK TO HAVE HOBBIES. 

Seriously. For the next week, push yourself to practice longer and more focused than you have been. Then, put the sticks down and “tend to your garden.” I practice as much as I can, but there is more to life (and MUSIC) than just practicing. In my personal training sessions, I am reminded by my trainer to breathe, which reminds me to breathe during my drum fills. While I’m outside tending my garden, I am reminded I need to have patience as my plants grow. I take the time to meditate and really focus on what each plant needs to reach its full potential. Same as in the practice room – all it takes is a little patience and perseverance. I’ve noticed my mind overall is much quieter not only while I’m practicing, but also when I’m playing. I am able to hear how things actually sound, as opposed to how I think they sound. There are several other lessons I have learned with these two new hobbies alone, and I look forward to finding even more as I go farther. 

Don’t feel bad about not giving 100% of your energy to your drums. Tend your garden, go for a jog, read a book, watch a documentary. Give yourself permission to experience life, and it will ultimately find its way into your playing.