Oh for a Muse of Fire......

O for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention- Henry V, William Shakespeare.

            Many of you do not have the blessing I have of leading a life that is filled doing the work I love. For many readers of Advice to the Players, acting is a passion, but a part-time one. You have school, or a regular job, or a family to raise. And yet this siren calls to you. Be it photography, acting, dancing, singing, speaking teaching, you have a need to pursue that which gives you bliss. Good for you!

But because we have full lives that pull us in many directions, it is often hard to stay upbeat and passionate about what we love. Surely, (stop calling me that!), a parent, spouse, or loved one has said, "Why do you do that? It is a waste of time, you should concentrate on a REAL job." We need to all stay inspired, and I have some ideas today that will help you keep inspiration/passion in your life.

Try to keep the 'muse', the spirit of inspiration, in your life by doing some of the following things:

* Read- I always encourage actors to read, not just as homework, but to become a fuller person. Read often, and have a varied diet of reading material, books, magazines, THIS BLOG, comic books, etc.

* Find a mentor- have someone you admire in your circle of friends, or emulate someone who has the life you want. Read up on them, study them, reflect their traits in your life. Hang a picture of them near your workspace, and let it remind you of what they have that you strive toward. ( My office has a picture of the explorer Richard Francis Burton, the actor Viggo Mortenson, and a Spencer Tracy poster, along with tons of Shakespeare shows).

* Go for a walk- man this is easy, and I forget to  do it myself. A good 10-20 minute walk gets you away from the world, lets you process thoughts, and reminds you that Nature exists.

* Change up- make things different. Go a new route home, try a new restaurant, take up a new hobby, excite your brain.

* Talk to people- not just friends and family, but people you meet, stand next to on a train or bus, buy coffee from at Zumi's (best coffee in the world),. Be safe, but yes become that person who is always upbeat and asking people about their lives.

* Find silence- prayer, meditation, breathing exercises, just a few minutes in stillness a day will make you better in all aspects of your life.

* Take in art- theater, dance, music, paintings, museums, lectures, appreciate that there is more to life than the 9-5 grind, and that you are so much more than a number. Let other arts and artists inspire you with their work.

Inspiration is an on-going need. Feed it.

J.T. Turner

The Actors Sensei

Private Coaching and group lessons available.