A Little Bit of Sanity Goes a Long Way
As a theatre artist and performer I always was led to believe that insanity or eccentricity is a part of being more aesthetic. However, I always seemed to think the other way. While being a little irregular always helps in creativity, as being mundane and everyday seems to find an overload in our creative work. We all are entertainers after all and its within the discords of the humdrum, we all seem to find our harmonious chords, that enthrall our audiences. However what if I claim that its in the regularity, in the moments of sanity I have found my true peace would I be mocked by my fellow thespians?
I would like to urge you to look at the value of sanity, the value of being together in the disjointedness of our careers. When I for instance talk to my friends who are lawyers, teachers, heads of academic institutions or doctors, I get insight into the value of lives that see beyond the stage. They help me focus back into my world and help me launch into the painful yet happy insanity of my vocation, yes they are my pillars! They help me sharpen my tools as they help me realise what it means to be living real in the world. They assist me in reaping the fruits of my labour.
I know that many times I am not a expected guest at a party and I find myself socially awkward many times. I am capable of making a wrong move or saying something innocuous like, ” don’t you think this bright blue does not suit the vibe here?” I can hear myself sitting quietly in a corner and if I do get attention I get flustered and wanting to move away from the spotlight. My conventional friends teach me the value of me being at ease and the value of soundness in my disjointedness. I suggest strongly for all of us who are artists to find a few friends who are regular and talk to them, take their suggestions and even if you don’t want to you will only gain a 2 am friend who will be willing to hear you as much as you will want to hear them. Take out your phone, scroll and find your lost companions to sing along a new song mindlessly, mindful!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts Gouri.
This post felt like a stream-of-consciousness flow.
And feels to be really deep, very thoughtful sharing too.
I read it as finding that balance which nature / the universe intends each of us to have and maintain, whether from within or without.
For me, it has always been easier to slip into that \”artist-driven\” side of myself: my chaotic, irregular, even \”considered eccentric\” ways. That helps me stay happy and content in myself. But yes, to thrive with the outside world, need some squareness or even a finite line, as well as being in \”a continuous circle\”. I often find that within myself only, since I feel there is that regular, sane side too, within.
Also, who can really say what is sane and what is insane, for any action or behaviour that is not harmful in any way…
And as a related thought, since the beginning of this decade especially, there is no normal – new or old – anymore, i feel. We are all learning to do what we can, even to simply survive. And where, how, when the artistic muse or inspiration may come to one, surely might vary for each too? Simply wondering…
For me, when i have been stressed or under pressure, or doing what does not come easily or naturally to me – my creativity, even for fresh thoughts or any original ideas, has severely stalled.
There are many worlds among worlds anround us. And the different worlds flock together as per their interests . Artists with artists – lawyers mix with people of the legal profession – Bollywood is said to have a different social and moral code among themselves – theatre artists tend to be more comfortable with those of their own ilk – doctors find companionship in the medical profession . And yet with our innate curiosity and empathy we try and make inroads in other people’s lives who are not different but in other walks of life than us . And yes artists ( theatre and otherwise ) may be more quirky than others but dig a little deeper and you may find a fascinating story , dreams / desires / a hidden zaniness even in the most humdrum of lives !
very true
Yes. Bitter truth. Many a times we are in a gathering not because They are Real, But Because We are. Disjointedness i feel many a times a comfort that we do mot Gossip… Good Narration. Keep rocking
Love it! The intersection of science and arts is what makes us human!