My journey in Columbus has
ended. THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED to
see such sport, and everyone from cast, crew, to audiences alike shared in the poignant
hilarity. When I left New York to
do this show, an inkling to re-focus my energy into something different kept
nudging me. Obviously I’m still an
actor and writer but something was calling while I was in Columbus and visiting
Ann Arbor. People were thrown in
my path offering new routes to where I’m ultimately headed... as if the Universe
was whispering, “Listen...” So, I did.
And sooooo… drum roll
please haha… I’m going to be back in Ann Arbor for the next 6 months or so to
produce my show MY OTHER VOICE.
While I was visiting Ann Arbor during my weeks off I kept having these
chance encounters with different key individuals in the artistic and health
industry in and around Michigan.
Specifically, a big health movement that’s going on called, “Get Healthy
Michigan” (http://gethealthymichigan.com). This movement is one that I’m very
passionate about: holistic approaches, energy healing practices, nutritional
advisement, and learning how to shy away from pharmaceuticals. People are sick,
suffering, and confused… yet, there
are healing practices out there that many are unaware of and it’s time to
reveal them. I became immersed
with the build up of energy around this topic but was stuck as to how I could
help. Then chance meetings with
key professors at Michigan also started to nudge me in a different
direction. Well, two days later I
get a call from the man running all of this asking if I wanted to help by producing
my play in Ann Arbor. He had seen
MY OTHER VOICE in Columbus and thought it was a great way to inspire a
movement. But wait!? I’m supposed to
go back to New York! I can’t just
go to Ann Arbor! My play has to be
done in New York! New York, New
York, New York…
My fears started protesting
immediately: fear of embarking on something new, fear of making the “right”
choice, and fear of failing. So
for about two days my mind went to war, weighing all the pros and cons, the
logistics, and all around feasibility.
But my heart was telling me to go… my soul was crying out, go Alex… face the fear! And when my pre-determined notions
of New York started to dissipate I realized it was not only the perfect timing but
also made perfect sense.
I have an amazing community
in Ann Arbor full of artistic people who are willing to help, the story is set
here, the local Hospital is a great springboard, and ultimately I’m doing
everything I’ve always wanted… writing, acting, performing… just not in New
York, or not yet. I haven’t really
written about this but as most of you know my voice is what used to define me. Everyday my thoughts were consumed with
singing, and honestly they still are.
But a giant shift happened when I lost it all and I went from a narcissistic
performer to one who now realizes that everyone
in this world is blessed with certain gifts, and those gifts should be used to
better humanity. Somewhere along the way I lost that clarity, then when
I lost my voice, I started to believe all the Doctors who were saying, “you may
never sing again.” Again,
fear. But then I reminded myself
of the power of the mind, shifted my focus, and started telling myself, I can sing… I will sing for other people.
Once my mind committed to the affirmation, my body began to respond. Of course it’s a process, but I am
singing again!
So not only will I be here
producing the world premiere of MY OTHER VOICE but I’ll also be joining the
class of 2013 for the Senior Showcase this year. I’ll finally have the chance to showcase in New York and
will also have a wonderful show that’s been produced as well. Now, I’m not expecting the Showcase to
dramatically change my life, it’s not about that… it’s about accomplishing
something that was taken away from me.
It’s about moving past Doctors telling me I’d never sing again and
proving once and for all that you can do anything you put your mind to. The expectations are unimportant, but
the clarity, focus and peace of mind are.
So Ann Arbor, here I come…
Again! But this time not as a
selfish student only concerned with himself: instead, as a vehicle of hope,
inspiration, and knowledge.
---
From Susan Jeffers, “Feel
the Fear and Do It Anyways:”
“Truth 1. The fear will never
go away as long as I continue to grow.
Truth 2. The only way to get
rid of the fear of doing something is to go out and do it.
Truth 3. The only way to feel
better about myself is to go out… and do it.
Truth 4. Not only am I going
to experience fear whenever I’m on unfamiliar territory, but so is everyone
else.
Truth 5. Pushing through fear
is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes from a
feeling of helplessness.”
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