this forum is intended for learning not arguing
The OP probably found a solution (or perhaps didn't find one) long ago. In any case, how to you propose that we further our learning if we cannot debate opposing viewpoints? Simply ending an disagreement because it's a disagreement leads us absolutely no where. Anyway, these forums are for open discussion, whether or not you or others choose to contribute further, and as such, I will continue to post here until the discussion breaks down to such a point that I would be ashamed for others to read my comments. I can't speak for you, but so far I have not been fighting. This is another instance where there's a difference that you seem to be missing. Disagreeing does not necessarily entail fighting. A perfectly amenable debate can be derived from disagreement, just as can a fight, but there are certain earmarks to a fight (anger being a big one) that so far have had no place in my writing. Also, sarcasm and exaggeration/hyperbole are two very different things. My mention of mechanical bulls was not a jab at you, but rather a hyperbole to point out the error in logic that so many people fall prey to when it comes to things like the bananas, apple juice, taking a short nap, etc. in preparation for a performance.
Now, whether or not we know every last element that makes up a banana is inconsequential (though I think you'll find a pretty clear breakdown of the compounds in a banana with a simple Google search). We know the main components, and what they do to the body. Any minute quantities of other materials can certainly exist, but in just that amount: minute quantities unlikely to have any more effect than the B vitamins that I wrote about in my first post.
This seems to be the crux of our little debate. There ABSOLUTELY needs to be a basis for a belief, or it makes no sense to hold onto it. That basis doesn't need to be tangible (so let's not drag religion into this), but it does need to be reasonable, and basing your opinions upon herd instinct is hardly reasonable in my eyes. It's important that we be free thinking and open to new ideas, rather than simply following what those from the past believed. If we do that, things stagnate, and we more than likely end up with a wide base of misinformation.There doesn't need to be a basis for it, how many people have tried it and it worked?
Your breathing idea may work, but as I pointed out in my first post in response to you, it is overkill. 3-5 deep breaths will do nicely, but spending 20 minutes on deep breathing exercises only takes away from your warm-up time. Rather than trying to fight the adrenaline that comes with nerves, try turning it to a constructive purpose. Decide that it's excitement rather than nervousness, and once again the power of suggestion will influence your performance.
As musicians, we must be flexible....This much is true, but not to the point that we try every new fad that hits the music community just because someone decided something worked. If I started tying yellow yarn to the end of my flute, and became convinced that this helped, would you then have to do so? As musicians, we have far too much work to do (regardless of level) and too little time to do it...Wasting our time on ideas that have no basis is not what being a musician is about.
LOL......not that you were advocating it or anything....I just thought it was pretty funny. Whatever works for you....go ahead and rock it 