My to-do list gets longer, but so do my responsibilities. It's nice being busy and I need to say 'yes' as much as possible right now because in this business it's never secure. I have been teaching a ton this summer. This gives me an opportunity to try out a whole bunch of stuff, as well as rely on what's tried and true. I am having a good time with the second crop from Cal Shakes. They are for the most part smart and respectful and trying new things. As theatre kids many are too clever and witty for their own good. But there's little I can do there. I did request one of the boys to do an exercise 'for himself' yesterday, rather than trying to impress a bunch of the girls. He basically said that he didn't understand what I was talking about, but I know in his heart he did.
As I lead one of the groups today on finding their centers (head, chest, belly or hips) they were very thoughtful in discussion and armed with this new knowledge they tried it on for size. Looking around the room, there were enormous changes. I saw a completely different group of kids walk each and every time depending on which center they walked from. It was beautiful. I am not sure they were conscious about it and in a way I hope they were not. This work can be largely unconscious - coming more from the body and less from the mind.
In any case, it was inspirational.
These kids may not "get it" at this go-around. But I know that it's affecting them. And in terms of credit, I really don't care. I personally know that I am making a difference, especially when a few thank me at the end of the session. I am giving them food for thought to take into their lives.
And that's exciting!
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