Photo Credit: Prashanth dotcompals via cc
Josh McHugh is an actor living and working in Los Angeles.
He writes a blog about “The trials, musings and shenanigans of a working actor…” – Josh McHugh, He Acts
His writing is thoughtful, insightful and we are delighted to be sharing it here on Actor Hub.
He writes a blog about “The trials, musings and shenanigans of a working actor…” – Josh McHugh, He Acts
His writing is thoughtful, insightful and we are delighted to be sharing it here on Actor Hub.
“Look at the clouds, daddy!”
Those were the words from my six year old son this morning.
I looked.
It only then occurred to me how little I have paid attention to the life going on around me these days. It has become so easy to hunker down, bury myself in any number of pursuits and never give a thought to how much I was actually missing.
I know that the purpose of life is to understand and be in the present moment with the people you love. It’s just that simple.
As professionals, focusing so much of our energy on the things that drive us, we take so little time to appreciate the beauty of this life we are living. I for one am quite skilled at forgetting to “smell the roses”.
My son does it every morning. Literally. I take a lesson in it as I walk him to school every day. He sees something beautiful or intriguing, he stops. Nothing else exists for him in that moment. He takes the time to experience the world around him, even as I tug at his little hand, ensuring he makes it to class on time.
We have to get back to the beauty of just being alive in this present moment.
I wish to tell stories as an actor. That is my passion and goal in my creative life. How I tell that story is derived from my life experiences. They inform the choices I make on camera or stage, it is where my personal truth comes from.
How, as an actor, can I hope to do this if my own life is…well…boring?
If your eyes are only ever on a prize, you miss so much of the enormously beautiful present.
My advice?
Stop reading this and look up. Observe the colors, smells and sounds of wherever you may be. Watch the people at their business around you.
Now, look up at the sky. Consider the billions of events that had to occur to put you where you are right this very moment. Think of how astronomically improbable it is for any of us to be here.
Yet here we are.
Knowing this, suddenly every moment has importance.
Enjoy them while they last.
Similar Posts from Actor Hub
-
Guest Post from Actor and Director Ben Hodge – Rejection stinks. Failure may not be an option for some, but it certainly can feel like a regular at the local pub. -
Many actors, dancers, singers and performers swear by the Alexander Technique and its teachings. But what’s it all about and why is it useful when acting? Here is our brief introduction -
Too many people show tell us we can not follow our dreams. It is none of their business, your dreams are between you and your heart! Its time you followed them. -
All actors are emotional beings, we deal with and delve into our emotions regularly, we also face rejection daily. Do you mind, body and spirit a favour and look at some self help books. -
Going for an audition can be a frightening experience. You really want to do well but your nerves get the better of you. Well, they shouldn’t and you have the power to control them. -
Guest Post from award-winning writer, director, producer, and Artistic Director of Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop in London. His London acting classes meet Monday nights. -
Guest Post from Actor and Director Ben Hodge – We really don’t know what will happen. We think we know. We think we know a lot of other things too that often can mess with our choices, paths and decisions we make in our lives, art and work. -
One of the greatest skills you can possess as an actor is the ability to be truly in the moment and not worrying about what has happened or what might happen. Focus on the now. -
Guest article from actor and teacher Simon Furness – How should we deal with both doubt and faith when we are pursuing a career as an actor. -
Should an actor’s success be measured on your CV, your bank balance, your agent, your showreel? Here is how we believe you should be measuring your own success.
