This is the English translation of my Japanese article for Nikkan San, a part of my bi-weekly column, “The Way of the Pianist” to be published on April 2nd, 2023.
People often comment on my energy level after my “Music and Wellness” seminar or “Music and Teambuilding” Workshop. Is it because of the projection of my voice, or my taller-than-average height? Or am I more energetic, benefiting possibly from the power of music that I advocate as “Dr. Pianist”?
But these commentators would be surprised to see me these days dozing off. “You had a smile on throughout, but your eyes were closed for a tenth of that call.” My friend told me, laughing, after a Zoom call. I remind myself of Nobi Nobita, a lovable anti-heroic character in a popular Anime classic Doraemon, who can fall asleep anywhere at any critical moment, so much so that at one point in the series, he wins a world championship for napping.
It’s easy to attribute my sleepiness to jetlag from the intense week-long trip to Japan I just came back from. However, I am used to international travels with demanding schedule, being a pianist. I have all sorts of secrets to combat jetlag and packed schedule: melatonin, exposure to the morning sunlight in the back of the knees and inside of elbows, morning routines that includes hydration, exercise and meditation… And what I’ve been experiencing is atypical for jetlag. I’ve been sleeping through every night, and even then, every blink during the day lures me into a minute or two of slumber.
“You are getting old, my friend! It’s age!!” My friend laughs. But I think, maybe, it’s not aging so much as it is…wisdom…?
I have been exploring the power of silence and stillness in music these days. And by extension, I want to allow myself and the minute or two, to ruminate on the beautiful cherry blossoms, freshly imprinted behind my eyelids.
It is uncharacteristic of me. I typically rush to practicing or writing as soon as I wake up. But ultimately, these moments of silent stillness may be what truly nurtures my musicality, creativity and humanity.
Why have we been in such a rush? This moment, our here and now together is a coincidence to be cherished, miracle to be appreciated, fate to be celebrated. And isn’t music the embodiment of our cherishing, appreciation and celebration?
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