The Vs. Studio Blog

“In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present,—I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie in the bed-clothes and keep myself warm?—But this is more pleasant.—Dost thou exist then to take thy pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion? Dost thou not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees working together to put in order their several parts of the universe? And art thou unwilling to do the work of a human being, and dost thou not make haste to do that which, is according to thy nature?…So thou lovest not thyself, for if thou didst, thou wouldst love thy nature and her will.”-Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“Constantly think of the universe as a single living being, comprised of a single substance and a single soul; and how all things issue into the single perception of this being, and how it accomplishes all things through a single impulse; and how all things work together to cause all that comes to be, and how intricate and densely woven is the fabric formed by their interweaving.” –Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“One cannot pursue one’s own highest good without at the same time necessarily promoting the good of others. A life based on narrow self-interest cannot be esteemed by any honorable measurement. Seeking the very best in ourselves means actively caring for the welfare of other human beings. Our human contract is not with the few people with whom our affairs are most immediately intertwined, nor to the prominent, rich, or well educated, but to all our human brethren.” –Epictetus, The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness

“We accept the reality of the world with which we’re presented. It’s as simple as that.” -Christof (played by Ed Harris) in the film, The Truman Show

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances -from Shakespeare’s As You Like It (spoken by Jacques)

You are not the hero of your own, solitary story.

You are but one part of a much larger, connected and infinite story.

Rest assured though, you play a meaningful role in the ensemble of life. Once you figure it out, don’t hesitate. Go forth with speed, boldness and confidence. Work diligently at it, and play the role with all your heart.

The joy you find from doing so will be much bigger and deeper than you could ever imagine.

P.S. – Click Here to watch the full speech delivered by Benedict Cumberbatch. Pretty awesome.

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.” -GK Chesterton

“A painting that looks hideous in one frame might look sublime in another. In art gallery terms, then, an optimist is someone who customarily places life’s paintings into frames that make them look beautiful, and a pessimist is someone who places them into ugly frames.” -William B. Irvine

“If the painter wishes to see beauties that charm him, it lies within his power to create them; and if he wishes to see monstrosities that are frightful, buffoonish, or ridiculous, or pitiable, he can be lord thereof.” -Leonardo da Vinci

“If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now.” -Marcus Aurelius

“It isn’t the things themselves that disturb people, but the judgements that they form about them.” -Epictetus

“I discovered that when I believed my thoughts I suffered, but when I didn’t believe them I didn’t suffer, and that this is true for every human being. Freedom is as simple as that. I found that suffering is optional. I found a joy within me that has never disappeared, not for a single moment. That joy is in everyone, always. And I invite you not to believe me. I invite you to test it for yourself.” -Byron Katie

Reframing is a powerful technique used in cognitive behavioral therapy. In short, it involves identifying a negative thought pattern, challenging the assertions behind the pattern, and then replacing the negative thought with a more positive and empowering one.

Byron Katie in her book, Loving What Is, provides a four step (or four question) reframing process she calls “The Work.” Take any negative thought and ask yourself these four questions:

1. Is it true?

2. Can I absolutely know with one hundred percent certainty that it’s true?

3. How do I react when I believe the thought?

4. Who would I be without the thought?

After answering the four questions, then give yourself a “turnaround” or reframe. Which is basically a complete opposite of your initial negative thought.

An example: “That person upset me and I can’t stop thinking about it.”

With the turnaround, it now could become: “If I’m upset, the upset is in me – therefore I have the power to remove it. I am not disturbed by events, people or things. I am only disturbed by the views I take of them.”

So the next time you find yourself stuck in a negative thought pattern, try this reframing technique. See if it helps. (And don’t just skip to the turnaround. You actually have to do “the work” to get there.)

Now matter how bad the day is going, you always have a chance to begin again. Awareness is the key. You need to first realize things are going off the skids before you can course correct. A daily meditation practice might be helpful.

Two sports analogies that might also be helpful:

In hockey, at the end of each period, a Zamboni machine comes out and smooths over the ice.

In baseball, during the 7th inning stretch, groundskeepers come out and drag mats across the infield to smooth out the dirt.

Both require a break in the action. And both are somewhat meditative if you allow yourself to just sit and watch.

P.S. – H/t to Seth for inspiring this post.

“What’s worth doing even if I fail?” -Brene Brown

“Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love. No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.” -Reinhold Niebuhr

“Although we wish it was otherwise, the struggle for justice is never completed in one lifetime or one rebellion. The shifting of systems, the turning of hearts, the forgiveness of oppressions and the dissipation of anger (righteous or not) takes time. It is not easy to confront injustice. It requires solidarity and the inevitable loss of life. It requires that each generation aver, “we are ready to be free by any peaceful means necessary.” -Dr. Barbara A. Holmes

“And…and you know what, maybe I’m crazy. But when I walk through a forest that I saved, when I hear the sound of wind rustling in young trees, trees that I planted myself, I realize that I have my own little bit of control over the climate. And if after thousands of years one person is happier because of it, well then…I can’t tell you the feeling I get when I plant a birch tree and I see it grow up and sprout leaves, I…I mean, I fill up with pride, I…” -Astrov in Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov (Annie Baker adaptation)

“To plant a sapling and then to actually care about what happens to it a thousand years from now…to think that hard about the future of humanity…People like him are rare, and they deserve love.” -Yelena in Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov (Annie Baker adaptation)

What’s worth doing even if you never see the fruits of your efforts? That the only ones who will benefit are future generations, a long way off.

Whatever is revealed to you upon asking the question, do that.

P.S. – Correction to yesterday’s Peace, Love and Understanding post. Two loyal readers pointed out that Nick Lowe wrote and recorded the song first. In 1974, with his band, Brinsley Schwarz. Elvis Costello covered the song in 1978, which was actually released as a B-side to Lowe’s solo single “American Squirm.” The cover saw great popularity and was later included on the American version of Costello’s 1979 album “Armed Forces.” (H/t to Mark and Ron.)

As I walk through this wicked world
Searchin’ for light in the darkness of insanity
I ask myself, “Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred and misery?”

And each time I feel like this inside
There’s one thing I wanna know
What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding? Oh-oh
What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding?

And as I walk on through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong, and who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony, sweet harmony?

‘Cause each time I feel it slippin’ away, just makes me wanna cry
What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding? Oh-oh
What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding?-song, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding? by Elvis Costello & The Attractions

Elvis asked a great question: “What’s so funny ’bout peace, love and understanding?”

What is so funny about it?

Why can’t we have it?

And don’t accept the status quo or premise “that’s just the way it is.”

All great change and advancement starts with first asking the question, being open to what is revealed and then taking action. Drip by drip. Step by step.

Perhaps someday, peace, love and understanding, won’t be so funny. It’ll just be the way it is.

P.S. – This awesome Nick Lowe cover of Elvis Costello & The Attractions’ masterpiece.

P.P.S. – Speaking of doing the work, these wise words from Patti.

The saga continues
Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang

Olympic torch flaming, we burn so sweet
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat -song “Triumph” by Wu-Tang Clan

“Whatever anyone does or says, for my part I’m bound to the good. In the same way an emerald or gold or purple might always proclaim: ‘whatever anyone does or says, I must be what I am and show my true colors.” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

When your team wins, it feels great for a short while, and then it ends.

When your team loses, it feels awful for a short while, and then it ends.

What never ends is the work. That’s your true north. It’s always there, waiting for you. You can count on it.

What are you passionate about?

What do you care enough to sacrifice for?

What change do you seek to make?

What art do you wish to create?

What actions will you take?

Focus on doing the work. The work, the work, the work.

I was far away, standing in the rain before the sleeping lion of Lucerne, a colossal, noble, stoic lion carved from the rock of a low cliff. The rain fell, obscuring tears. I knew that I would see Sam again somewhere in the landscape of dream, but at that moment I imagined I was back in Kentucky, with the rolling fields and the creek that widens into a small river. I pictured Sam’s books lining the shelves, his boots lined against the wall, beneath the window where he would watch the horses grazing by the wooden fence. I pictured myself sitting at the kitchen table, reaching for that tattooed hand.

A long time ago, Sam sent me a letter. A long one, where he told me of a dream that he had hoped would never end. “He dreams of horses,” I told the lion. “Fix it for him, will you? Have Big Red waiting for him, a true champion. He won’t need a saddle, he won’t need anything.” I headed to the French border, a crescent moon rising in the black sky. I said goodbye to my buddy, calling to him, in the dead of night. -excerpt from the essay “My Buddy” by Patti Smith in The New Yorker

You know what today is don’t you?

It’s Sam Shepard’s birthday! He would’ve been 81 today. Happy birthday to the legend and fellow Scorpio brother.

If you’re looking for a break from today’s maddening and non-stop election news cycle, then why not celebrate Sam and read one of his great plays. Or his book of short stories, poems and monologues, Hawk Moon. Or one of my personal favorites, his quasi-diary of autobiographical reveries, Motel Chronicles.

And for a few minutes of levity, check out this clip of Sam and Patti playing music together. It will make you smile.

“At one point, when [Steve] Martin and [Robin] Williams had been dominating the table, he [Nichols] abruptly said, “Let’s change parts,” and had [Bill] Irwin read Martin’s role and [F. Murray] Abraham read Williams’s. He let the scene play for some time before saying, “Okay, that’s enough.” Martin nodded and said, “I learned a lot” from reading Lucky. Nichols replied, “It’s not so easy, is it?”” -excerpt from the book, Mike Nichols: A Life by Mark Harris

For the actor…

If you’re having trouble figuring out what you want in the scene, trying reading it from the other person’s point of view. Switch roles. Their action might become more obvious to you. With which case you can then just pick an opposing action for your actual character. Presto! Instant conflict and now it’s a fun scene to play and a compelling one to watch.

This is also a great exercise for the director in rehearsals. Mike Nichols used it throughout his career including in his production of Waiting For Godot (excerpt listed above). Just like Steve Martin found out, switching roles can engender empathy throughout the entire ensemble.

Walking in someone’s else’s shoes is never a bad thing. In rehearsals and in life.

And after all, isn’t that why we do and see theatre in the first place? To gain a deeper understanding about the entire human condition.

“There is taste in people, visual taste, taste in emotion — and there is taste in acts, taste in morality. Intelligence, as well, is really a kind of taste: taste in ideas. One of the facts to be reckoned with is that taste tends to develop very unevenly. It’s rare that the same person has good visual taste and good taste in people and taste in ideas.” -Susan Sontag

“Good taste is simply to have a well formed opinion, in accordance with the realities of the Good and the True.” -John Folley

“The way I revise is: I read my own text and imagine a little meter in my head, with “P” on one side (“Positive”) and “N” on the other (“Negative”)… This involves making thousands of what I’ve come to think of as “micro-decisions.” These are instantaneous, intuitive – I just prefer this to that… I just have a feeling and react to that feeling, in the form of a cut phrase, or an added word, or an urge to move this whole section, and so on. And then I do that over and over, for months, sometimes years, until that needle stays up in the “P” zone for the whole length of the text…With each choice, even the smallest ones, the story becomes more and more…well, it becomes more her, you could say. There’s more of her essential nature in it, more of what will distinguish her from all of those other writers out there. And gradually, the story starts to become something she couldn’t have foreseen when she started out – bigger, more complex, smarter, funnier, whatever.” -George Saunders

“When art critics get together they talk about Form and Structure and Meaning. When artists get together they talk about where you can buy cheap turpentine.” -Picasso

If you want to develop your talent, first develop your taste. As so much of talent is taste. Knowing what you love and why you love it. And then making what you love.

For more on this, read Brie Wolfson’s excellent essay.

It’s scary to make and then release your art to the world.

But you know what’s even scarier?

Not doing it because you’re afraid of what people might think.

Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Unleash your inner wolf.