The Buddha would've won an Oscar!

As actors we are always looking for the magic bullet to cut through the obstacles to our work  and to our higher aspirations for our art form :trying to deepen our vulnerabilities and sharpen our technique. But it is rarely compared with ; if ever, to the fundamental philosophy of ancient Buddhism,which says our minds and bodies can be liberated,which is,free from the intrusive egoistic thoughts and controls which constrain rather than liberate. This idea of liberating the heart, the mind and body is in line with our acting techniques.The idea of 'focus', is something all the contemporary acting theorists encouraged.How do we see mind, body and spirit achieving the credible acting moment.Should we not have an actor who is open hearted, free and specifically focused always?

All drama looks at subject versus object as a launch pad for conflict, emotional reactions and storyline.A courageous heart with a focused emotionally available actor, is the overlapping element for both the performer and the Buddhist practitioner. They are both working with a  subject /object world.For the actor it is the protagonist versus the antagonist. For the meditator the chattering mind versus a fully attentive focused consciousness.

In meditation, the mind is taking the attention off unwanted thoughts and rather returning to a clearer, more aware, less judgmental mind.So the 'ego' stuck in the past and the future is being downregulated or ignored. It is courage needed to stay still with this mental chatter and physical restlessness.

So to must the actor engage in a physical and mental discipline towards stillness so that every gesture is displayed with heightened significance and every reaction has come from clear imaginative attention.

Both actor and meditator off the stage and off the cushion can be nagged with self doubt, unnecessary ambition and negative self talk.The ego wants to win in both activities.

Both actor and Buddhist may be relieved to know that in all occupations and trades we seek the courageous (liberated) heart and  therefore need the discipline to accept all 'given circumstances'.

Source:

Donnellan,D.(2005)The Actor and the Target. NickHernBooks. London.

Epstein,M.(2018) Advice not Given.A guide to getting over yourself. RandomHouse.NewYork.

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How did you take your last Breath? What we need to be inspired?

Did you know the Old French and still older Latin word for Spirit is Breath?  (Merriam-Webster.com) Breath is everything.

There are dozens of meanings surrounding this interesting word. It can imply human energy or drive, or the spirit behind a project or of someone’s individuality. It can be used to talk about the invisible nature or pure consciousness that drives all life, literally the air around us. The Jungian psychoanalysts often speak of it in contrast to the Soul. The soul being, in their world, the invisible home of someone’s character structure, their uniqueness; while the spirit is the collective force of humanity’s drive to grow.  

To inhale and exhale is so fundamental to our existence yet we overlook this crucial activity.

So why does our spirit forget to breathe? Why do we forget our essential need for oxygen?

There are over a hundred muscles engaged in our bodies in just one breath. So why do we forget to do it and what part does it play in our creative energies? The right inhale and exhale of oxygen and carbon dioxide is the source of our unique imaginations and source of our wisdom. Experts say 7O% oxygen to 30% carbon dioxide. Evolution has made sure that this complexity is our survival and our human speciality. But we rarely breathe to our full capacity, yet it is our best and cheapest tonic. Yet we diminish this ratio by withholding our inhale and exhale of breath. Why? Are we too busy thinking, reacting, imploding, restraining and wanting our life to be other than what it is? We are too distracted to breathe!

However, our most insightful, imaginative and original thoughts arise when we are about to sleep or just waking up. When we are completely relaxed!

From the ancient yogis to the most current neuro physics the message is less pace, more space and more time for breath.

So, this week’s blog is about using this vital activity to slow down, develop awareness and expand your inhale and exhale.

Instilling awareness, courage and change of pace may be the doorway to your best tool: your creative imagination and hence your spirit!      

Source:

• Nestor J. Breath.2020. (Random Press) Penguin Life.

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