The Plowman III: Interpretation of Excavation Practice as Explained by Greg Fox

Excavation

The plowing season

Isn’t the only way

The time you can feel

Has never been measured

Atoms and void

Are always present

Breath is the chisel

Shape undetermined

Know resisting

The way hides to be revealed

Begin the work

Know it is a privilage

Silence defines sound

Listen intently

To listen is to be present 

Observe what is difficult

Breathe and put the chisel to the stone again

*Translations of this transmission are imprecise by nature. The meaning is self-evident to one’s self. Anything is as

serious as it is allowed to be. The Archivist recommends Greg Fox as consultant for interpretation. 

The Archivist’s interpretation is as follows:

Practice breathing. There is a window of six minutes between breaths before consciousness is irretrievable. Use this space appropriately and consistently.

Practice breathing while performing The Plowman to a metronome. The Archivist chose to record practice sessions performing drum rudiments on various elements of a drum kit. The goal is maintaining an awareness of breathing. Observe the body and return to the breath as often as possible. Feel the shifts in performance and embrace them as part of the breath until there is no difference between breathing and performing. 

Comp recordings into a satisfactory composition. Realism is not a goal unless desired. Be mindful of elements that are disruptive to a listening experience. Trust what can be heard: What feels “out” is probably out. Reconcile these discrepancies. Honor the variations and avoid analyzation. Embrace surprise.

Observe steps 10 and 11 of The Plowman Historically Informed Practice Composition.