2020-03-31
In the early days of the pandemic, one of my students emailed for thoughts on how to keep their practice going during long periods of isolation.
Many times since, I've found myself reaching for this same advice.
You're also not alone in trying to keep your work moving forward while essentially being cut off from the world. I sat with your question for a bit, and I come up with a list of suggestions to help.
These are drawn from both what I am doing here, as well as the wisdom of my teachers. I hope these five things keep your journey vibrant and full of wonder.
"ijo nanpa luka li pana e pilin pona tawa jan nasa pona"
I've hidden a page on our website to help: https://circusfreaks.org/tokipona
Right now, know that your clown is not gone or dead. If you can't feel them, it is because they are resting. Information and ideas you take in during this time will feed their dreams.
There's a lot of quiet, introspective time ahead. Pick up a book on the work and devour it for them. My recommendation is Impro by Keith Johnstone. It's a fundamental text on improvised theater, and every bit of it applies to how I approach the work.
We train skills and physicality to extend our clown's range of play. Make time for exercise and movement. Learn a new performance skill, and take the time to improve the ones you already enjoy.
Clowns are magic. Part of their power is their ability to generate optimism and find the light in any situation. To practice this, find three beautiful things in your life right now as it is each and every day. When this gets easy, up it to seven.
Congratulations, you're already doing this!
Keep doing what you just did. Reach out to people, connect with them. Don't be afraid start conversations, and don't be afraid to admit you're worried or lonely or anything else you feel.
In the modern world, everything is a torrent of information. We are currently experiencing an unprecedented opportunity to do more than occupy ourselves. The modern world has encouraged a dangerous reflex to distract ourselves the moment we experience boredom.
Find out what happens when you resist the instinct. Who are you when you wonder? The answer, I've noticed, is often the clown speaking directly to us.