Concepts we work with and practice time and time again continue to broaden our sense of freedom, whether we immediately see it or not. There is a point in the path of artistic growth when the mind transcends the craft. In the literal sense, I play the saxophone. But in the same way that I do not think about my vocal chords when I speak, I try not to think about the instrument I am using as I am using it. Otherwise, the directness I conceptualize in my mind will be strained by the natural habit of inappropriate attention. This mindset enhances your ability to think more clearly, pushing away that feeling of being pressured to release ideas. You are more relaxed.
Every now and then fellow instrumentalists will tell me that there have been times when they have felt controlled by their instrument. However, as I thought about it, I realized that it should be spoken of differently. When you are "in the zone", you are not being controlled by the instrument, but have taken complete control over the instrument. It sometimes only lasts a brief moment in time, but it is a long-lasting feeling. The thing is, you can tap into this mental state if you become more aware of what triggers it. What do you notice when you reach that state? What are you thinking about, or not thinking about? You have risen above the instrument, expressed yourself, mind over matter. It's purity. Once you can turn it into a more natural state, anything is possible.
Every now and then fellow instrumentalists will tell me that there have been times when they have felt controlled by their instrument. However, as I thought about it, I realized that it should be spoken of differently. When you are "in the zone", you are not being controlled by the instrument, but have taken complete control over the instrument. It sometimes only lasts a brief moment in time, but it is a long-lasting feeling. The thing is, you can tap into this mental state if you become more aware of what triggers it. What do you notice when you reach that state? What are you thinking about, or not thinking about? You have risen above the instrument, expressed yourself, mind over matter. It's purity. Once you can turn it into a more natural state, anything is possible.