My Life in the Sunshine
So now that my body has demanded my attention, has forced me to slow down, what are my thoughts? It's easy to think I have an idea of my thoughts on things when I'm plunged into the depths of my life: my job as a teacher demands that I'm being pushed and pulled in many directions, many times at the same time. It is easy to forget about myself, and get involved in the garden all around me, doing my best to cultivate not only my students, but myself as well.
One of the best disciplines one can possess, is the ability to flow with the now. It means not getting tangled up with the past, or enmeshed in the future. It means being your best, right here, right now.
On my last trip to London, my friend Reggie gave me a book entitled, "A Practical Handbook for the Actor." I've always had an interest in acting, but like so many other disciplines I loved so much in the past, I told myself that I could never pursue it--I was a writer, and so, I had reasoned, quite unconsciously to myself, I had to focus on my writing.
Now I'm wiser and know that each thing I touch feeds into the other. That there is never a moment as not working on my art. I had had the book for years, holding on to it, wanting to take a look, but keeping myself back with a myriad of other pursuits.
But as luck would have it, I end up with the most dynamic set of actors in my 5th grade class. At the beginning of the year, they begged me to let them do roll play, and I, being the open teacher that I like to see myself to be, obliged. I did so with a sense of dread. It was quite easy for roll play to disintegrate into plain chaos. To my surprise and relief, these kids managed to put together some tight acts. I was not only impressed, but inspired. Their performances reminded me of the books I had at home, exploring theatre and acting, and how this was the time to fully get into them, so that I could guide this class the best that I can.
Now although I am referring to the process of reading a book as one that departs information, I am by no means suggesting that one can learn everything one can about a discipline through a book. I would suggest the contrary--throughout the years I have been in the process of teaching myself a few things, and I'll be the first to say that nothing builds a more authentic relationship between yourself and what it is you are spending your time on, than plain just spending your time with that thing, be it a thought, an exercise, an instrument, or any other pursuit, for that matter.
I get into the book and read a few pages. Then it dawns on me. The secret to being a great (character) actor is remaining authentic to who you truly are. This makes sense. This is the same thing as being present, being in the now, and always remaining true to yourself.
Sometimes I do want to crack open my life, and share all the numerous, joyful occasions that I am blessed to experience every day of my life. One of them has certainly been having the opportunity to spend my time with the people that I do.
It is quiet now, in my apartment. My refrigerator has geared up for another round of white noise that seems to sometimes deafen my soul--but other than that, I am good and very thankful. For every step of my journey, for every soul encountered. If you are reading this, know that there is purpose in life, and the key to unlocking this, is learning that the world we imagine, is the world we create.
