Hilary Hahn is doing another round of #100daysofpractice.
Seeing her daily thoughts on her playing, performing, traveling, and just, existing is fascinating and inspiring. On
Day #8, she posted a backstage clip just 30 min before she went on to play with the Boston Symphony. And, she said something brilliant:
Adrenaline has co-opted my brain and I am taking my time to find my center within it. Performance excitement is powerful. It can go in a positive or a negative direction.
Of course, there are many very applicable things about performance "excitement" as she calls it here to observe. First of all, the use of that word! Excitement! She didn't call it performance anxiety, or stage fright, or any other combination of words that alone conjure up feelings of restlessness.
She also said the excitement had "co-opted" her brain. Another sensible and likely intentional use of a word... the excitement is there, but so is the practice, the preparation, and the calm and confident version of herself.
And then, "find my center within it."
Trying to wish the excitement, anxiety or stress away is often unrealistic. The real question becomes, how can we find our center, and ourselves within it?
For some strategies we're using this week, read the full blog post!