VerbAsana

All the Mind's a Stage

How many times have you been reminded of a past action and thought, "I would never do that" or done something and thought, "I canât believe I just did that"? Well, if it makes you feel any better, it really wasnât you, only the manifestation of one aspect of your self.

After you are practiced at simply watching the never-ending flow of interchanges in your mind, you begin to recognize different recurring personalities, voices, or "characters." Like any good actor, you can become consumed by the character de jour, but through that singular focus, you lose sight of the intent of the scene or overall play. You forget that you are composed of the entire production crew with many duties, expectations, attitudes, and inclinations.

If you wish to, you can develop the ability to walk off of the main stage and perch yourself in the directorâs chair÷see all of the characters, their needs and desires, personalities and roles. Then you can direct the sequence of events, set up a story that matches your vision, and create a scene that leads seamlessly into the next. All the while, you can continue seeking harmony with your overall aspirations.

What does a free-for-all improv look like? You all know this one well, but seldom actually see it as it is happening. Ask yourself, "What is my intent here? Who do I want in the next scene? Do I want a monologue or a party scene? In what direction shall I have the action proceed? What impression do I want to leave lingering in the air?"

As you peruse your cast of characters, you will recognize most of them as being lifelong companions. Some you will feel an affinity for, others will fill you with disdain. Thereâs the bully that cuts others off in traffic, the cop who seeks justice and fairness, the child in need of nurturing, the boss who feels entitled to run the show, the hero that soars to assist someone in need, the martyr who will gladly sacrifice herself for any just cause, and the teacher who wants to share all he knows with anyone who will listen, to name but a few.

Just like you, each of your characters has many aspects to his or her personality. For instance, the child is needy and naive, but also playful, open, and joyous. As such, even characters that you dislike or fear can be your allies. Unacknowledged, your prostitute is capable of leading you to sell yourself for immediate gain, but if you give it credence, it can also alert you when you are falling into, or are already in, a pattern of selling your thoughts, energy, ideals, aspirations, talents, or body for sustenance, security, or comfort. On the flip side, characters that hold appeal also possess a shadow side. The venerable teacher can become a domineering perfectionist, sapping self-esteem and motivation. All of your characters need to be acknowledged and directed or they will begin to perform behind the scenes, working towards their own agendas, and often conflicting with the showâs main theme.

It seems like a lot of work to maintain objective vision and control over the entire production. But similarly, it sometimes seems like it takes a lot of work to sit with healthy posture, but as soon as you "relax" and slouch, it puts far more strain on the spine and muscles and over time creates chronic pain, misalignment in movements, and potential injury. If you are diligent and keep the story line clear, the stage clean, and the cast from getting into drunken brawls, you will be much happier with the showâs unfurling.

And in case you didnât notice it, thereâs a huge monitor hanging on the outside of the theater so that anyone passing by can also see and hear the show.

Thatcher Ross teaches meditation and is certified in both Kripalu yoga and Acu-yoga. His goal is to empower his students to maintain their own health and to explore their inherent connection to joy. You can find more information about his classes, unabridged versions of his articles, and reach him at mojoyoga.com or contact him by phone at 614-885-3355.