Ayu ~Anything Goes XIX~

[mi|kshake]

I was listening to A Ballads today whilst reading a book. God it's such an amazing album. A compilation album done right!

[Zeke.]

I enjoy reflecting on my feelings and arriving at some sort of insight as a result. I have to write an essay for a scholarship today, but before I sat down to do that, I stepped outside to listen to Ayu. It's become a sort of involuntary ritual for me whenever I'm about to embark on a large task. I was wondering, why is that, and thinking how to put the feeling I get as a result into words. And, the conclusion I came to is this:

Ayu's music makes me feel "centered."

If I'm feeling stressed, chaotic and out of place, Ayu's music has the effect of "aligning" my being, and nothing else compares to that. It's like whenever I feel I'm about to crumble under pressure, she allows me to remain standing. My strength returns, and my head becomes clear.

Does Ayu and her music have this effect on you?

For me, I also feel it's a large factor in not wanting to "let go" of her when people suggest that one should abandon following her releases if they are unhappy with them. Because it's akin to giving up on that feeling of solace one gets after being "centered."

For reference, I looked up concept of "centering" after reaching this conclusion and it verifies everything I am feeling and validates my practice:

Centering is an ancient visualization technique that is popular in Aikido – the Japanese defensive martial art of "spiritual harmony." It teaches you to focus on the here and now, taking power away from outside concerns and negative thoughts, and helping you remain stable and grounded.

The “center” refers to a relaxed yet focused state of mind. Centering practice is especially helpful in the midst of strong emotional states such as excitement or anxiety, and is often used by athletes, public speakers, actors, and anyone who wants to feel stable and prepared before a potentially stressful event.

Spoiler:

More on this topic

[oaristos]

Originally Posted by bleue

Everytime I listen to A BALLADS I can't help think what a masterpiece that album is. It has aged well. Truly a classic.

Yes! It's such a beautiful album, and the new arrangements are amazing. I wouldn't mind if instead of a remix or classical album she released an "A BALLADS 2" or something.

[YUKARI]

thanks to Apple Music I can listen all ayu's releases. I relistened 'CoLOURS' and I understood how I love this album. I need to give a try to A ONE and MIJ.

[Toniayu123]

Dont know where to post this but I got so excited:

Spoiler:

Mannie liked a pic I posted on Instagram!! I don't even follow him or anything ayu-related. Unbelievable. I really liked him.
P.S: feel free to follow me and like it too haha I'm gothicblurr

[Aderianu]

^wow! come all of a sudden

[EndOfTheWorld]

Wow. What are the chances.
I would be so surprised if it were me.

[mi|kshake]

Wow, so cool (and random!) ToniAyu123!

I enjoy reflecting on my feelings and arriving at some sort of insight as a result. I have to write an essay for a scholarship today, but before I sat down to do that, I stepped outside to listen to Ayu. It's become a sort of involuntary ritual for me whenever I'm about to embark on a large task. I was wondering, why is that, and thinking how to put the feeling I get as a result into words. And, the conclusion I came to is this:

Ayu's music makes me feel "centered."

Interesting post Zeke! Are there any particular songs you listen to when you do this?

[Amalgam]

Originally Posted by Toniayu123

Dont know where to post this but I got so excited:

Spoiler:

Mannie liked a pic I posted on Instagram!! I don't even follow him or anything ayu-related. Unbelievable. I really liked him.
P.S: feel free to follow me and like it too haha I'm gothicblurr

He's thirsty for ya 😜

[kendelle]

Anyone know what the deal is with Vivi for June? HMV is listing it as a "Special Edition" but CDJ is listing it as "Hamasaki Ayumi LAST MESSAGE" which seems a little more grim

[xLuna&1LOVE]

^ as far as I know it, I believe it will be her last Deji Deji post.

[Amalgam]

I don't mind it being her last, all we were getting the last few times were her instagram photos and I wasn't too interested in that. It does feel like the end to an era, though.

[pedronekoi]

I think there will be some featuring with her because it seems like she did a shooting for ViVi a while ago: https://www.instagram.com/p/BRc-mPcAbnV/?taken-by=a.you

[YUKARI]

Originally Posted by xLuna&1LOVE

^ as far as I know it, I believe it will be her last Deji Deji post.

no, the last Deji Deji Diary issue was already released. they decided to make 200th post the last and promised something special for next ViVi issue. I guess it will be just an interview..

[ExodusUK]

Did Ayu fall out with Chiharu and yu-ki?

[attractive nausea]

^ Who?

[ExodusUK]

Originally Posted by attractive nausea

^ Who?

The two women without chins from trf who were like Ayu's assistants for choreographing and concert concepts.

[truehappiness]

Chiharu and Etsu are the dancers from TRF. Yu-ki is a singer and doesn't really dance much.

She probably is still on good terms with them. I mean, PECO used to choreograph but she's busy with her own thing now. After a certain point Ayu just preferred to use her own dancers to choreograph routines,

[RealLight]

idk where to post but A COMPLETE debuted on this week's Oricon Download chart at #12 with 937 copies sold.

http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dia/w/2017-04-17/p/2/

[Aderianu]

^cool
that's because of huge discount ¥2,700→ ¥900 (for Japan only )
http://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1047883