Have you ever tried to “edit” what you’re feeling before – or during, an audition, or while public speaking?
Totally natural. Well, maybe not natural – but common.
Bubby – I got news for ya – you just can’t do that anymore.
First off, ya gotta see that the desire to edit what you’re feeling comes from an outdated belief system.
The belief is that you need to show a certain, “Ideal” part of yourself in order to manipulate people into seeing that you are worthy.
NEWSFLASH, you’re already AWESOME + WORTHY exactly as you are, Bubby.
But… But…
Don’t argue with me, Bubby! ( Can I call ya Bubby today? I just feel like it. Bubby!)
Look, your job is to create from EXACTLY where you are.
From EXACTLY what you are feeling in the moment of creation.
“But what if I feel nervous?”
Bubs, just assume you are going to be nervous. OK? It’s natural. No biggie.
And, ya know what?
NERVOUS IS GREAT!
And, if you really take a look – nervous is just energy swirling around in your body at a faster speed than you THINK is good.
But ya know what that energy actually is?
IT’S BADASS CREATIVE FUEL!
It’s all good!
Here’s the real kicker, you should know…
YOU CAN’T SELECTIVELY EDIT YOURSELF.
If you try to edit out fear, for example. YOU END UP EDITING YOUR ENTIRE BEING.
If you attempt to shut down the feeling of fear ( or any other sensation) you end up shutting down your ENTIRE BEING.
But wait – it gets worse…
The more you shut down your body – the more time you are going to spend in your head – listening to how you suck. Of course – YOU DON’T SUCK – but when anyone shuts down their body – they end up listening to abusive thoughts.
WHAT TO DO???
Here’s is your 4 Step Challenge to doing your best work…
STEP 1.
Write down (YOU CAN DO THIS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW) what you don’t like to feel. Ya know, that emotion that you wish wasn’t there, and that you USED TO edit away. For example, anxiety.
STEP 2.
Write down your ACTUAL body sensation.
For example, when you feel nervous – the ACTUAL body sensation you’re feeling may be energy spinning in your chest.
STEP 3.
Write down your outdated BELIEF about what would happen if you just let yourself feel that “negative” emotion in an audition or while public speaking.
For example, “If I let myself feel the energy of fear while auditioning, they would never give me the job because they would discover I was an amateur.”
STEP 4.
Start experimenting with feeling the actual energy/emotions in your body – without judging – or trying to change anything. And yes – even while auditioning or public speaking. And create with it.
Write down BELOW, in the comment section, your commitment level (1-10) to this (slightly scary) experiment of creating from your truth.
1= No way am I doing this!
10= This feels scary – but I know my job is to create from my truth if I want to engage my audience. I’M DOING IT!!! Why? Because I know this is key to booking the job.
BOTTOM LINE:
Ride all the sensations. It’s called aliveness, Bubby.
It’s the most badass thing you can do.
Remember – people want YOU – exactly as you are.
They don’t want to watch you edit yourself! (Borrring)
Note: This does not mean you need to SHOW what you’re feeling – or express it – just feel it and let it inspire your creativity.
NOW, write your answers below, in the comment section, to your 4 STEP Challenge to doing your best work.
Feel free to ask questions.
Thanks for playing full out!
I look forward to working with you soon!
Josh
Ahhh, I love the notion of “creating from your truth” by using/respecting and acknowledging the so called fear/anxiety feeling as an agent of change and creation. This is a gem!
Hi Franca
It really is a game changer to use whatever sensation comes upon as creative fuel.
Let us know how your continued exploration unfolds.
Thanks for your comment,
Josh
1. The feeling I just got as I was going to skip this exercise- I felt overwhelmed, i felt not good enough,
2. a warm heavyness in the middle of my chest, tightness in my throat
3. If i let people in an audition see that i felt not good enough, self conscous-people would see the truth–that im not good enough, im a fraud
4. I just did it. It was uncomfortable. But im committed to doing it.
Id say an 8!
This is great brave work William.
A couple things to consider.
Your body never feels… “not good enough.”
“Not good enough” is merely a thought our minds throw out there when we feel something we have a low tolerance to feeling.
Being uncomfortable – well that is a body sensation – and one worth experimenting with. Because we all feel uncomfortable from time to time. It’s natural. And the more we can hang out with the Actual Set of body sensations that we call “uncomfortable,” the less the sensation of being uncomfortable will be. So, you are doing great! Keep exploring! And thanks for your brave comment!
I just came across this blog and want to do this:
1. Feeling way too nervous, terrified really.
2. So much energy in my chest, tension in my gut, tight shoulders, very shallow breathing, a feeling of cutting off all oxygen to my body from my shoulders down.
3. If I let people in an audition see my in this state, I would make a tremendous fool of myself, be laughed at and be found out as the not good enough failure that I am.
4. Super committed, level 10, to just let all this energy be, make space for it, and be me authentically in front of everyone I meet, audition people included.