CREATIVE RETREAT- NOT TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED!

I was lucky enough to be attend a CREATIVE RETREAT for actors just before the second lock down, and wow was this needed! It really made me think just howmuch I took training every day for granted. I mentioned in a previos blog the idea of 'identity' and I have been feeling kike a lot of mine has been taken away from me in someways. This retreat really showed me just how 'at home' I feel as an actor, how much I enjoy team work, emotions, expressing thriugh texts and characters and basically PLAYING! I have missed playing in a room with others, and how amazing it was. < Being around so many creative people, did make me feel somewhat anxious. Mainly about wether I am doing enough to create my own work, I think this course has also made me take a step back and look at my practice, especially my research into 'work life balance'. I need to remember that we all have our own path, and maybe mine at the moment is taking a step back whilst rouding up my year on this course, earning money whilst there is not much artistic opporunity and really refelcting on where i want it to go, when we are back to some sort of 'normal'. I am so glad I had the opportunity to flex my muscles again, rember that talent stays with you (it does not go!) and remind myself of what I love, and that I am good at it. COVID has also shown us not to take family, friends, nature, life for granted too. I feel intrinicly eveythign has sort of fallen together at this point in my life, to make me take a breathe and realise what is important. I am sure many of you are aware of 'Headspace' the app, but it has been a bit of a life saver: meditation I use in the morning, and before I go to sleep but also if I'm feeling particularly stressed in the day and the focus music: whilst studying has been amazing and really helped me focus, especially being a in a flat with no doors! Also for you actors out there! When you have some time again: Manuel Pruros 21 Self Tape Challenge is a GREAT way to pracrise your craft and discipline! https://www.purocasting.com/the-acting-habit/the-21-day-self-tape-challenge