You better lose yourself in the music, the moment You own it, you better never let it go
While reading a recent New York Times article at work titled “Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price” – http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html – I couldn’t help but think of a few things.
One of those thoughts, was acting.
I love technology, new and old. It has given us so many ways to communicate, learn, etc. But the latest advancement has pulled so much of our attention away from even the most simplistic daily events… Walking.
Still with me?
Can you walk from the place you call home to your car, bus, train without looking at your phone? I’m guilty of it. In an effort to ensure I stay focused, when at an event, rehearsal, etc., I turn my cell phone off because I know, if I don’t, I’ll look at it even though I know I shouldn’t.
Let’s look at a few other examples: During the day while talking to people… Are you thinking about the email your waiting on or for someone to retweet your recent tweet or wondering how people have ‘liked’ or commented on your Facebook post? Is there any new news to know about since you last looked, 5 minutes ago?
“No? Nothing. Huh. Well that’s a bummer.”
…
“I should check each of my favorite pages one more time before I…”
Is this you?
Stop what you’re doing, do not refresh your Inbox, do not check Facebook or Twitter. PLEASE! Stop what you’re doing. Have I mentioned that you might want to read the NYT article linked above. 😉
When the film ‘8 Mile’ was released I didn’t see it, in fact I still haven’t seen it, but the theme song is absolutely amazing. Why do I say that? The song follows a man struggling with his passion and the ups and downs that can and/or will happen to him if he doesn’t or does succeed. Actors, you know you put yourself in the character’s shoes from the song. It’s okay to admit it. Here is a snippet from the lyrics…
Eminem – “Lose Yourself” (listen) — (complete lyrics)
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
Getting lost in a scene, a moment, is what we aim for when we’re acting. It’s pure. Our acting is nothing but impulse. All thought, judgment, anticipation… Gone.
It isn’t easy but something will help – flick the switch or swipe on the screen. Turn it off. Whatever it is you’re waiting for will be there waiting for you after the rehearsal, class, event, etc. Get lost in the moment. Relish in it.
Besides the moment, Eminem reminds us about something else very important at the end of Lose Yourself:
“You can do anything you set your mind to, man”
See you soon. In the moment.