Feed the Upward Spiral

Hi There,

We’ve spent nearly two years experiencing some form of social distancing.

During that time, I found myself seeking antidotes to the funks and ruts that cropped up while feeling disconnected from the world. Whether it was a speech that made me laugh, or a new way to approach an old problem, these tonics brought solace when I felt unmoored.

In this season of giving thanks, I’m sharing five favorite sources that helped me navigate the doldrums of the pandemic, and that I find myself returning to as we enter a new version of normalcy.

I also want to take this moment to thank you for reading The Dialogue. When I started these articles in May of 2020, I had no idea where they might lead. But knowing each month I would take time to sit and engage with you through writing gave me a sense of structure when everything else felt like chaos.

You’re the best, and I’m grateful for you all.

JC

They connected us to others while we safely distanced.

To be an artist means taking on a degree of uncertainty that would make most people run for cover—even in normal times. Finding sources that ground you or inspire your creativity is important for maintaining a healthy mindset.

As I begin to put the worst of the pandemic experience in the rear view, I’d like to share a mix of elements that continue to feed my own curiosity and creativity.

I return to this paragraph often:

Directing can be thought of as rendering psychology into behavior, into action. What do the characters do because of their needs, their impulses, their desires, their wishes? Wish is the most important word for an actor, because he goes on stage to fulfill a wish. And then, what is the setting for this movement? How do the design, the circumstances in which the actor moves, contribute to the effect?

Kazan creates a study plan that would benefit anyone making their life in the arts. The entire book is an extraordinary look into the mind and workings of one of the most gifted, albeit contentious, directors of all time. The cost of the book is worth it for that last chapter alone.

Her simple prompt:

“what is the story I’m telling myself?”

Has helped me stop replaying unhealthy thoughts that run on autopilot. When I feel anxiety or doubt creep in, just taking a moment to acknowledge it has helped me break worn-out behavior patterns. “I’m feeling anxious, and the story I’m telling myself is…” Identifying and clarifying the (often untrue) story is often the key to either resolving or tempering those feelings.

It’s an easy way to stop myself from slipping down the rabbit hole of old wounds and false narratives that get me nowhere, and build a better story that takes me places I want to go.

Her timing, her writing – just spectacular. It sent me down a rabbit-hole of learning everything I could about this comedy legend and her career before and after her partnership with Nichols.

Nichols and May rewrote the book on improv. I listened to all their comedy albums on Apple Music, and found tons of clips from their improv days on YouTube including their surprise bit at the 1959 Emmy’s, where May hands out the award for Most Total Mediocrity in the business.

If you’re pursuing a career in comedy, spend an afternoon digging into the work of these legends.

I find Dr. Becky’s take on complex emotional issues simple to implement and a much appreciated guide for these turbulent times.

Her Reparenting Ourselves Workshop, is helpful for anyone who was ever a child.

In the workshop, she addresses how to cope with the fear of disappointing others, setting boundaries, and tuning into how your younger self might have learned to survive in a way that’s stopping you from thriving now.

For less than the cost of one Orchestra Seat ticket, you can get a one-year subscription and check out some classics.