Larry
"Uncle Larry"
I know you've promoted 1/4 notes at 40bpm for 40mins. I find the longer I practice one simple exercise (drumming or otherwise), the better I'm able to focus in general. Do you see any correlation between the two?
Most definitely.
I regard the 40 BPM thing as a meditation exercise, to clear my mind. Not an easy thing to do, clearing the mind. Everyone practices differently. When I am trying to open up to a new concept or trying to play a new thing for me, I try to turn it into a meditation exercise. It works for me, but I'm a little wacky.
IMO it's the clearing of the mind that is the real key to easier absorption. Kind of like a wet rag, you have to squeeze out the existing water so it can pick up new water.
All drumming...everything actually, starts in the mind. The state of mind is everything when it comes to life. It can propel you forward, beat you back, or allow you to remain unaffected. It mainly comes down to operator skillfulness.