What are you sacrificing in order to achieve success?

Jephthah's sacrifice - Maciejowski Bible

I just participated in an interesting discussion on a Linkedin actors group about  sacrifice... So what are YOU sacrificing for success?

It is true that becoming an artist, whether actor, dancer, musician is a road full of sacrifices. Often, one needs to abandon the idea of a stable life, to tour with a suitcase and perform in small towns, where after the thrill of the stage, there is nothing much waiting for you but a hotel room with hundreds of cable channels..
Often, one needs to leave friends, family, roots to pursue a dream in LA, New York, Paris..
Often, one needs to live with no money, juggling jobs, waiting tables or putting double shifts to make ends meet, with no time to do what others can do: have relaxing moments. Often, one needs to accept daily rejection for the hope of one day, getting the big break.
Often, one needs to also put long hours of practice, suffer in the physical or emotional body, all of this in the sacred name of ART.

I did that, we all do that.. we all think that suffering will produce good work.. that we need to feel pain in order to be creative, to pursue our dream. We are the soldiers of the stage, the gladiators in the arena...eradicating any weakness in ourselves, not in the name of freedom, but in the name of creativity.


But let me tell you, you can sacrifice all you want, but NEVER sacrifice your soul... know who you truly are, find, connect with and nurture your true self. Spend time with it and sit with it, supporting its growth.  Be the gardener to your soul. Give it time, light, water, love.. and watch it grow.

It is the only thing that will keep you going, because the road ahead is going to be tough.. no question!
So take great care of YOU with compassion and love.

F. Emmanuelle Chaulet
artists coach
For more information on individual support sessions for artists and the book A BALANCING ACT visit: www.emmanuellechaulet.com

Voice Dialogue for Performers

Voice Dialogue is a powerful technique for all but holds special interest for perfomers.

Voice Dialogue, created by Dr. Hal and Sidra Stone, is a guided, facilitated process to explore the inner world of the Selves or Sub-Personalities and develop an Aware Ego Process. In Voice Dialogue, a facilitator will help you let your inner-selves speak their thoughts and voice their feelings and opinions on an issue that is important to you. Typically during a session, one will open the discussion and ask to speak to two polar opposites. For example, we would talk to the part of you that loves beeing lazy, and later on, to its complete opposite, the part of you that is an overachiever; or to the fearless part of you and then to the part that is afraid, etc. We would discuss their respective roles, goals and tactics. We would ask how they each feel in your body, when they appeared in your life, what they push you to do or not do, why they want you to behave a certain way, etc...

The goal of Voice Dialogue is to reinforce your strength in the Center, as well as to embrace ALL of your inner-selves, because each and every one of them has a special role and your best interest at heart. Each one of this cast of inner characters is fulfilling a specific part in your psyche and all are necessary. Getting them to talk is helping resolve the inner conflicts and turmoils.

For artists, this technique becomes very interesting in clearing what holds you back. The voices will each speak their reasons, and you will be able to discover what is holding you back in your evolution and why you follow a certain behavior sometimes in spite of yourself. The key is to not judge, but to listen, with care, empathy and neutrality, so that each voice can feel respected and loved. After all, they have guided you to where you are and have your highest interest at heart. They only sometimes confuse protecting you with holding you back.

Actors are prime candidates for Voice Dialogue as it is exactly as working with a character, except that it is one of your inner-characters, one of your sub-personalities.
I discovered Voice Dialogue with late Mala Powers,  and Lisa Dalton of the Chekhov Institute,  and later studied with Martha-Lou Wolf, Ph.d. to become a facilitator. This has been a fascinating journey in the subconscious...
 
I invite you to try one of these sessions, and discover your inner-world of characters!

FMI for a SKYPE, phone or in-person Voice Dialogue session, please email me at: info@emmanuellechaulet.com

Xavier Durringer interviewed at Cannes for La Conquete

As always, Xavier is straight to the point and has no fear.. kudos! I can't wait to see the film...


Xavier Durringer by clemtom

Spring Clean your Self....

Photo Jean-Pierre Rousset

Spring is coming... Yesterday in Maine, we had the most beautiful weather and 62ºF!!! an incredible warmth for us up north, Down East..... Spring means that the time has come for new life to sprout out of the dark, moist soil. It also means for many of us, clearing the path for this new life, new energy by cleaning houses, closets, and attics.

How about cleaning and clearing your inner closets and attics?

Letting go of what you do not need or want, and of the blocks in your way. Releasing and transmuting your fears, your limitations to open the door to new ideas, thought patterns and strength.  Releasing expectations from others, and expectations that you put on your own shoulders. Letting the free, loving, clearing Light repair your system to bring you to your highest potential and creativity.

Visualize, perceive this beam of light entering the top of your head, then touching your forehead (the place between your eyes, also called the Third Eye), your throat, your heart. In your heart this beam of light bathes and calms your heart rate, bringing it to coherence. Focus on feelings of appreciation and gratitude to regulate your nervous system. Open your heart to the infinite Love of Source.
Release the stress, negative emotions and pain and let them be transformed in the infinite cosmos.

Continue by perceiving this beam of light touching and clearing your solar plexus, then your lower abdomen, and then let it pass your feet going down to the center and crystalin core of the Earth. It connects you from heaven to earth, like an antena running through your spine.

Then feel this beautiful, and clearing energy surround you in a bubble of lights and colors. In that bubble you can recharge and regenerate.
This sphere of light is protective and clearing. It rotates clockwise,  from left to right, and raises the vibration of your energy system.

Then concentrate again on your heart, feeling the warmth of the energy source in your heart.
Finally, reconnect with your five senses, smell, touch, sound, taste, and sight and the room, and the here and now.

If you take the time each day to mentally clear your energy system like this, you will feel lighter and clearer.
I will be happy to help you learn these skills through my program of sessions and tele-sessions via Skype or phone.

This spring I offer a package of 6 sessions at $65 each that will teach you skills like RYSE® to self-manage your energy system. (regular sessions $80/$70) I am booking sessions for April now..

Invest in yourself... learn how to clear the path in front of you and manifest your highest potential.
Email me for more info.

Take great care,

Emmanuelle
Emmanuelle Chaulet
Energy Awareness Counselor, CRPL3, Artists coach
info@emmanuellechaulet.com
http://www.facebook.com/emmanuelle.chaulet.page
www.emmanuellechaulet.com
This article is  © Emmanuelle Chaulet 2011

The Luxury of Time

Photo Frost: www.jeanpierrerousset.com

Today, unexpected snow day in Maine, and all of a sudden TIME is give to me....
This luxury feels like a blessing and as I sip on my morning coffee, I am pondering what will I do today I have not had time for?

 And I am drawn to reflection: sometimes, the to do list got to pause, so you can go inward and reflect on where you are, where you want to go and the path accomplished. Giving THANKS for your blessings, and the gifts given to you, as big or as small, and opening your heart to infinite possibilities.
We often forget that we can accomplish more sometimes by not doing, and by just being...
In our Occidental society governed by the DO, DO pushers, a pause feels like a stolen vacation and a moment we almost feel guilty of. But these moments are necessary to be able to guide your boat. otherwise you might miss the iceberg ahead...

So, as often as you can, connect with the part of you who just wants to be.
Listen to it, even if it only gives you silence.
It holds in you the secret to happiness, manifestation and peace.

I AM THAT I AM

Emmanuelle Chaulet
Artists Coach, CRPL3, Adjunct Theatre Faculty
www.emmanuellechaulet.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmanuelle-Chaulet/212334829086

Brave Women & Courageous Actresses

On New Year's eve, two sad news, reinforce my urge to send a plea to you my friends, actors and performers... 
Love Thyself!
French Actress/model Isabelle Caro passes away after a long battle with anorexia and an extraordinarily courageous campaign to help other women an models fight the disease.

and lead actress of Broadway musical Spider-Man quits because of a head injury she received from performing the show many dangerous stunts... she choses to quit a career-making role, instead of risking her life.. that is a real act of courage..
These are two examples of how deadly show business pressure can become. These women showed unparallel courage to confront the big machine of showbiz. Isabelle Caro, unfortunately lost her battle. but found the strength to model for an awareness campaign on Anorexia before she died.
May their stories inspire you to honor yourself this coming year!
  
Emmanuelle Chaulet
Artists' Coach, Energy Awareness Counselor 
 

ENERGIZE™ : the other way

Happy New Year!

This time of year is my favorite when we do plans for the future, make resolutions and set the next course of our ship to sail the uncharted territories of our mission exploration….

As performers, it also means getting ready for these Pilot seasons, starting a new semester, or simply sharpening skills and talent. And there is ALWAYS something to learn. Artists are well aware that they should be in constant exploration of their craft and in the pursuit of the highest creative expression… But why not add:  also in the pursuit of happiness?

Is there really a curse, which requires artists to suffer for their art? Or can you be a happy, yet profoundly creative artist? We have all seen, read, heard about the myth of the starving artist who is constantly in pain to pull out his next creation, but is it really what it takes? Do you have to wring your guts to do good work? Isn’t there another way?

I deeply believe there is. A way where the path is exhilarating, yet safe, where the road wanders in amazing landscapes, but where you always remember where you go, and where you come from. A way where Balance is supporting Creativity.

I have researched for years this other way, and am privileged to share with you my discoveries. Using the awareness of Energy, you can keep your instrument grounded, balanced, and energized, and yet tap into the other vibrations of the character world and of the play, without risking getting lost in them, but always finding your way home…

ENERGIZE™ is this method, and I invite you to not only read it in the book A BALANCING ACT, but to also try it in sessions and workshops. Contact me for an individual distance or in person session.

Let me also know if your school, or University is ready to explore this new technique.

I’ll be very happy to transport to you!

Live Long and Prosper,

Emmanuelle Chaulet

Artists' coach, Energy Awareness Counselor, CRPL3

Author, Speaker, International Film Actress

Workshop Leader
 

Now booking for January, February and May 2011

Individual Sessions, Workshop Modules for organizations and universities

There is still time! Meaningful Holiday Gifts for Artists' Souls

There is still time to get that special gift! OFFER VALID UNTIL DEC 20, 2011!

The book (signed and personalized):
A BALANCING ACT: A book to reclaim the Highest Artist Within
This is a meaningful gift for the special artists in your life!
A book that can change the way they'll look at their craft and at themselves, teaching them new tools to care for their instrument, boosting their confidence, self-esteem and stage presence.

Holiday Special:  All books ordered via STARLIGHT ACTING BOOKS before December 20 will be signed by the author (free of charge).
 (Note: Signature is NOT available on books ordered with FULFILLMENT BY AMAZON)  To order A BALANCING ACT ($24.95) click on this link:
http://www.starlightactingbooks.starlightacting.org/store.html

GIVE THE GIFT OF AN ENERGIZE™ SESSION: (Student rate for all until January 15: use promotional code " X2011" on the comments lines)
Gift Certificates for phone or in-person sessions with Emmanuelle Chaulet

ENERGIZE™ sessions clarify the mind and spirit, relieve stress, increase stage presence, and help with decision-making, creativity and empowerment. Special FIND YOUR STAR POWER session for young professional musicians and actors.
Purchase the session you'd like on line, and then Email me the name and address of the person you want to gift. I'll send you a lovely gift certificate card (on paper or electronically, it's your choice). 90 minutes ENERGIZE™ sessions: $70
Talent management coaching sessions: $50

http://www.emmanuellechaulet.com/services.html

HOLD ON LOG:
    USE THE PROMOTIONAL CODE:  'FREC9' to get a $20 discount.
Insert it in the Coupon code field discount box at check out.

A fabulous tool to manage your performing career, from audition to fittings. A perfect gift for a working performing artist.
Step up to the professional business of show business use Holdon Log, Performer track. Manage your auditions, contacts, call backs, rehearsal, fittings, mileage, shooting, expenses, income, classes and workshops and more ...Online, anywhere.


http://www.emmanuellechaulet.com/catalog.html


FMI http://www.emmanuellechaulet.com


Best wishes for a prosperous and Happy New Year!

Best Wishes for the Holidays!

Now is a time for caring, loving and being grateful… exactly the feelings we need to lower our stress level! So, do not let yourself get pressured down by all the expectations that our commercial culture has put around the holidays. Rather, gently but firmly, reject these expectations, to instead focus on the feelings of care, appreciation, love and gratitude. People around you will too, feel relieved that you do not play the “expectation game.” Kindly express and offer around you genuine and truthful care instead. The frugal economy climate is a great reason to downsize material gifts and focus on spiritual and meaningful gifts. You’d be surprised to see how many sighs of relief will result from this shift in perspective!

And take also the time to care for YOU! As we enter our final phase before the winter solstice in a few weeks, it is now time to introspect, reflect, recharge, refill and make plans for the New Year. How wonderful and fun is it to be doing this daydreaming, and future mapping of our lives! Let’s not put unrealistic expectations on ourselves either, with New Year resolutions that are impossible to keep. But instead, meditate and journal your thoughts. Think about where you are now, where you want to go next, and how to appreciate the journey ahead, keeping in sight that the PRESENT is the GIFT.

Take great care, and best wishes,

Emmanuelle

Emmanuelle Chaulet

Starlight Acting Institute, Director

Energy Awareness Counselor, CRPL3

Artists’ coach

 IN THIS NEWS LETTER:

MEANINGFUL GIFTS FOR ACTORS AND ARTISTS IN YOUR LIFE:

A BALANCING ACT: A book to reclaim the Highest Artist Within

This is a meaningful gift for the special artists in your life!

A book that can change the way they’ll look at their craft and at themselves, teaching them new tools to care for their instrument, boosting their confidence, self-esteem and stage presence.

Holiday Special:  All books ordered via STARLIGHT ACTING BOOKS before December 17 will be signed by the author (free of charge).

 (Signature NOT available on books with FULFILLMENT BY AMAZON) 

To order A BALANCING ACT ($24.95) click on this link:

http://www.starlightactingbooks.starlightacting.org/store.html

 GIVE THE GIFT OF AN ENERGIZE™ SESSION:

Gift Certificates for phone or in-person sessions with Emmanuelle Chaulet.

ENERGIZE™ sessions clarify the mind and spirit, relieve stress, increase stage presence, and help with decision-making, creativity and empowerment. Special FIND YOUR STAR POWER session for young professional musicians and actors.

Purchase the session you’d like on line, and then Email me the name and address of the person you want to gift. I’ll send you a lovely gift certificate card (on paper or electronically, it’s your choice). 90 minutes sessions starts at $70 for students.

http://www.starlightacting.org/individualsessions/individualsessions.html

AN ENERGIZING WEEK AT VCU:

The first week of November, I was honored to be invited as Guest Artist to teach 8 master-classes at Virginia Commonwealth University Theatre Department, in Richmond, VA and was thrilled to meet so many talented, committed and mature students. Clearly the ENERGIZE™ work spoke to them and I felt truly excited to be able to share my discoveries with this group.

I presented the modules: “ENERGIZE™ a holistic approach to acting (overview),” “Pre-Performance Preparation,” “Post-Performance Blues,” “Energy Anatomy,” and discussed elements of “The Actor Spiritual Purpose,” as well as some of the “Character Vibration and Blueprint.”

I am grateful to my dear friend and colleague Josh Chenard, to have hosted and organized this series of workshops. I hope we will soon present this kind of ENERGIZING week to other schools. Josh is a certified Michael Chekhov Technique teacher, and offers Archetypes workshops. 

Contact me for more information or to bring us to your school.

energize@starlightacting.org

http://www.starlightacting.org/WorkshopModules/WorkshopModules.html

Institute of HeartMath Feeds Food for Thought with Science of Thanksgiving Gratitude

Institute of HeartMath Feeds Food for Thought with Science of Thanksgiving Gratitude

To read at Thanksgiving time... why it works to focus on feelings of appreciation and gratitude to re-balance your body, mind, spirit and emotions....
In these holiday frenzy times, when you – the performers– are the most busy with shows and concerts, learn to take a few pauses, breathe deeply, appreciate something simple, perhaps just the fact you are doing what you love, to be able to recharge your energy and fly higher....

I am grateful to share what I have learned with so many talented people,

Emmanuelle Chaulet
Acting coach, Energy Awareness counselor

An ENERGIZING week at VCU theatre department

I just spent a truly energizing week in Richmond with the students of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Invited to teach master classes in ENERGIZE for 5 fun-filled days, I want to thank everyone at VCU for such a warm welcome, and a truly committed, focused, and high energy vibration week!

In particular I want to thank my dear friend and colleague Josh Chenard, who has not only been a  most gracious host, but also an inspiration. Congratulations on ANIMAL FARM, the show which opened last night and which he directed. An inspiring, thought provoking moment of theatre!
Kudos to all the actors who showed a feeling of ease on stilts and with masks..

A Bientôt!!

Emmanuelle Chaulet

The Solitude of the Winner - Part II

A Letter from Monique van der Werff, actress

As a reader of your book and newsletters I would love to thank you for another inspiring column. I have also read 'The Winner stands alone' (as I am a big fan of Paulo Coelho). Thanks for reminding people that fame is empty.

I would like to share my experience on this topic with you, as an example, because it exactly underlines what you were saying.

I have been able to experience it: fame, glory, signing autographs, fans going crazy etc, for a few years. I'm a Dutch actress and a few years ago I was in a children series, which accidentally became the most famous of our country then. It was on TV, primetime, daily, plus we made three movies abroad. But I was not happy. I've always been more of a theater person. I like to take a lot of time rehearsing, searching for the depth of a part and deeply connecting with my fellow-actors.

So, after two years I decided to go back to that. I went to New York to study at Stella Adler's Studio of Acting. When I came back, a lot of people would comment: 'Your colleague from the series is now presenting 'Holland's got talent', that could have been you'. I am so glad it is not me. I know she is really happy doing it, because this was her dream, but is was not MY dream. I really have a hard time getting people to understand that. They think I failed, and 'did not make it'. Even family says worried: 'I haven't seen you on TV for a while, are you okay?' Someone who's had the fame and fortune and now 'lost' it must be sick, sad and miserable...the opposite of which is true: I felt much more like that when I was 'famous' (in the Netherlands, I mean we're talking only 16 million people here...;-)) and couldn't walk the streets without being recognized and screamed at all the time. All this energy coming my way, I just couldn't handle it. And how was I supposed to do my job of observing people, if they were staring at me all the time? But if you say that, as an actor, a lot of people just find that you are being 'ungrateful' or they don't believe you don't crave for fame anymore and think that you are jealous of the ones that 'did make it'.

On TV people see the glitter & glamour, the smiling faces, so they think fame is related to a lot of other things, like happiness. It is not.
I try my best, in interviews etc., to discuss this topic, and letting my own view out on it. In one of the glossies here I literary said: 'Fame is empty'. People do not want to hear this message, they'd rather stay indulged on the illusion.

To complete my story, I have to tell you that (after acting in about ten plays by other people, feeling a lot of satisfaction), I have gained the rights from Paulo Coelho to adapt his beautiful book 'Veronika decides to die' for the Dutch theater. It is my dream come true, to make my own theater plays. I am producing and writing it myself, and (of course) I play the part of Veronika. The premier is October 9th, and I couldn't have been happier, working on this terrific material.
It's the work itself that is so fulfilling. It's working with all these magnificent artists (actors, directors, costume designers, art directors etc.) that makes it so worthwhile.
I am very happy to be able to tell that from my own experience now.

I hope my story was of use to you. Please keep on spreading your message of love and joy. In this world, especially the acting world, we get so many other messages, that this cannot be heard enough!







Monique van der Werff (1982) is a Dutch actress. She played the lead in several feature films (Loverboy, Zoop in India, Honeyz) and TV series such as Onderweg naar Morgen (based on Ryan’s Hope), Alex FM and the award-winning children’s series Zoop. Monique has her own statue in the Amsterdam Madame Tussauds Museum. She acted in ten theater plays for different companies (among others: Het Nationale Toneel, Urban Myth and MC). Monique is the co-owner and artistic director of the White Rabbit Theater Foundation, which is currently working on the Dutch theater adaptation of Paulo Coelho’s novel "Veronika decides to die." Paulo Coelho gave her permission to produce the play, write the adaptation and play the part of Veronika. Premiere: October 9th 2010 in De Toneelschuur in Haarlem (The Netherlands), national tour ‘till the end of January 2011. For more information and playlist: www.veronikabesluittesterven.nl

The Solitude of the Winner

Summer is entering its August lingering and relaxing phase, when we know it will be over soon and we feverishly try to grab the last sun rays. Here in Maine we know it is the last frontier before winter… (Well, almost: I love the October colors too! But there is a old saying that goes; ‘In Maine there are two seasons: July and winter”)

This July I was lucky to be able to read a lot and reflect on my path, purpose, and life by discovering incredible books and articles. I’ll share with you an amazing one:

Paulo Coelho’s new book:  The Winner Stands Alone about the ruthless world of Cannes Film Festival

I have been at Cannes Film Festival several times. I even walked the red carpet for a film with Claire Denis, Chocolat. Everything Paulo Coelho says about the Cannes festival and the film business is true. It is so exactly what I once lived through, he could have written about my own story. In this book, he uncovers the most dangerous, destructive and insidious threat an actor can face in the business: the desire to be famous.

 Glamour, and fame are the two most vicious demons an actor battles with. I would defy any aspiring actor to say that wanting to be famous never crossed his or her mind. Yet, if you work for that purpose, you will quickly find that it is empty. You will fight years to attain a goal that forever escapes you. It will never be enough. It’s an addiction. If you get wide coverage on your new film, you’ll want the cover of Vogue; you got invited to the Academy Awards? You’ll want a nomination. You got nominated? You’ll want an Oscar. You got an Oscar? You’ll want two, plus the Golden Globe. And when you finally reach what you think is the top, you’ll only find solitude and boredom.

Your purpose as an actor should be so much deeper than fame and glory. It should be a message of love and truth you want to give the world. Whether you choose to show what lack of love can lead to in certain roles, or what love can conquer in others, there should always be a higher purpose in your work. The gift of laughter with a comedy can help a depressed person. A film with a cause can move public opinion and lead to a change of policies. A war movie can denounce horror. Theatre has the same potential depth and you will even have more contact with your public. You don’t have a role? Take your talent to a retirement home or a low-income suburb school. The looks of awe on your audience faces will reward you more than many B-movie contracts.

You, as a performer, have tremendous power to express purpose through your work and change the consciousness of the world. You are the Living Work of Art and the one bringing in the energy that is needed now. Don’t forget that in your next audition. You are not there to become a star, but to shine like one, with the light of God’s will.

Art will save the world.

- Emmanuelle Chaulet, CRPL3 acting coach, energy awareness counselor, author A Balancing Act
http://www.emmanuellechaulet.com

Stage of Wellness: Tech Week Survival Secrets by Patti McCabe

Another wonderful resource by our guest contributor Patti McCabe!
Stage of Wellness presents:Tech Week Survival Secrets

I am honored to have had the opportunity to begin to share nutrition and wellness information with all of you here.  And I am truly excited about some new approaches I am taking to ensure that I am serving you, the performing arts community, in the best way possible.  To that end, I am proud to announce the launch of a new name for my Health Coaching practice – Stage of Wellness.

I truly believe that a taking a journey into wellness is like performing on your own personal stage.  Whether on stage or off, we all play a unique and important role in this industry.  And in that role you have the opportunity to grow, change, overcome challenges, and celebrate successes.  This is the same opportunity that performing on your stage of wellness offers you.  The difference on this stage, however, is that this particular role must reside within you for a lifetime, rather than for just the duration of a particular production.

I am constantly awed by the support systems that exist in the performing arts community.  And so just like an actor needs a director or a director needs a stage manager, I hope that I can be your support system whenever you need my help to achieve the energy you need to live the life you love!

When I am thinking about how I can best be a resource for you, I often consider what my own greatest challenges have been as a Stage Manager.  Can you guess the first words which come to mind? 

Tech Week! 

I have to say that there is nothing more exhilarating for me than seeing a production through this process.  The culmination of all of the hard work around the rehearsal process, and the dedication focused towards delivering the absolute best production to an audience.  There is nothing more satisfying.  There is also nothing more stressful and exhausting.  I have no doubt you can relate! 

This is why I want you to have my brand new report:  The Top 5 Secrets to Surviving Tech Week…without the crash and burn!   It is available right now for free on my new website.  I invite all of you to join me there and grab your copy today:  www.techweeksurvivalsecrets.com

I look forward to being in touch again soon with more tips and resources for you.  In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions, feedback, or need support!


Patti McCabe is a Certified Holistic Health Coach whose mission is to help the performing arts community learn how to achieve the energy they need to live the lives they love!  She received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and is accredited through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.  She leads workshops on health and nutrition, and offers both individual and group counseling services in person and by phone.  Learn more at www.techweeksurvivalsecrets.com.

Avoiding BURNOUT in Summerstock

 Rotating three or four shows per week, sometimes playing in two shows per day, 6 days a week is a usual schedule in summer stock theatre. It can be cruelly demanding and stress building to the point of exhaustion.
How do you avoid burnout when the schedule barely allows you to sleep?

Here are simple tricks that can make up for the lack of sleep and that will truly diminish your stress level.

-First rule: eat well:
Drink plenty of water and feed your body with good fuel. No junk food allowed!
You want to give yourself all the proteins your body craves and plenty of good nutrients to replenish and energize yourself
See Patti McCabe's column and blog for that.

- Second rule: ease lack of sleep by a short relaxation before bed:
 In 15 minutes of deep meditative relaxation you can replenish your body of the missing sleep.
Lie down in a quiet space, in silence or with relaxing music.  Concentrate on your breathing. Take deep cleansing breaths. Start by relaxing the top of your head, inhaling clearing energy and exhaling stress you want to release. Gently breathe in and out, and move down to your forehead, then your eyes, eyelids, throat, lips, and neck. Then move to your shoulders and your chest area.

When focusing on your heart, think about a place, a pet or a person that you feel grateful for. Feelings of gratitude have an immediate effect on your nervous system. When you feel grateful your body releases hormones that calm your nerves, and your heart beat slows down. The coherence of your heart beat improves. your immune system strengthens. (FMI  about heart coherence and scientific research, check Heartmath.org).

Then move to your solar plexus, and your lower abdomen. Finish by going down your legs, and the sole of your feet. imagine stress leaving from the sole of your feet, dissipating and transmuting in space.
When your attention wanders, gently bring it back to your breath and body.

Finally, imagine a bubble of colors surrounding you. You are bathing in it. Perceive it is a cocoon that can recharge and regenerate your cells. Feel it, sense it, and absorb its benefits for as long as you want.

Finally, open your eyes. You should feel refreshed and regenerated.

Emmanuelle Chaulet
Energy Awareness Counselor, acting coach
Author, A BALANCING ACT