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Letting Go and Being Present
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Reiki Class for Actors is an acting class at Maggie Flanigan studio taught by Laura Pensiero. In this blog Laura discusses letting go of the work and being present in the moment.
Reiki Class for Actors – Laura Pensiero – (917) 794-3878
Letting Go of the Work and Being Present in the Moment
The critical yet challenging final step for an actor is letting go of the work in preparation for the role and being in the present moment. Most actors strive for perfection. For an actor to be successful, there is extensive work, research, and development involved in every aspect of the acting process. The intellectual work combined with the need to please can keep you overthinking which produces disconnected and indicated acting.
As an actor, you can have an entire script in your head at once, which makes it easy to think too far ahead. When you are thinking about the next moment or next scene, you are removed from the present. Focusing on one step at a time and moving from moment to moment keeps you connected and present.
Something as simple as breathing fully helps facilitate the letting process. Breathing helps release anxiety and tension. It brings awareness to the body, which allows you to be present. Breathing helps keep the body and mind calm, which enables the work to flow.
Taking a moment to feel your feet on the ground is another simple yet effective tool to remain present. Bringing your awareness to where the bottom of the feet and the floor meet, grounds nervous energy and moves you into your body.
Moving from moment to moment, remembering to breathe and bringing awareness into the body might seem easier said than done, and it is! This is why I recommend at least five minutes of meditation a day. Meditation is an incredible and accessible tool you can incorporate into your daily life to keep the mind clear and body present. Taking five minutes a day to close your eyes, bring awareness onto your body, mind, emotions, and breath can have a profound impact on your life and your acting.
In addition to mindfulness, you can practice a mantra or visualization while meditating. Mantras consist of a word or phrase repeated to yourself, which keeps the mind focused during meditation. Here are a few examples of mantras: my mind is calm, and my body is present; inhale relaxation and exhale tension; I am becoming more relaxed with every breath; I am at peace, and I am love.
Another useful tool I use in my practice is healing light visualization. Close your eyes and visualize a ball of healing light in front of you in your mind’s eye. Visualize the color, the size, and temperature of the sun. As you breathe, visualize the light traveling into your body, flowing through your body and around your body. Visualize this light relaxing you, releasing tension and bringing deep inner peace.
It can be challenging to trust that the work will be there when you get on stage or in front of the camera. When you train the mind to be present through meditation, it becomes easier to trust existing in the current state. Through a daily meditation practice, letting go and being present becomes more comfortable and more natural to do while acting.
Reiki Class for Actors at the Maggie Flanigan Studio with Laura Pensiero – Call (917) 794-3878
Reiki Classes at the Maggie Flanigan Studio
Learn more about Reiki classes at the Maggie Flanigan studio and Laura Pensiero by visiting the studio website https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com/ and the acting class page for the Reiki class. Students who have questions about the class can call (917) 794-3878.
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“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
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“Maggie Flanigan has been one of the most important people in my artistic life. I want to work with Maggie trained actors. As an actor myself, she is my first source. I do not say this lightly, if you are serious about acting, and willing to work very hard, then go to Maggie.”
“Maggie helped me find my sense of truth, an actors greatest asset. Maggie is an expert at instilling that vital ingredient, which allows an actor’s potential to become limitless. My work will forever be rooted in the clarity and honesty she helped me develop.”
“After working for ten years, I did the 2 year program, and now feel that I have the tools I need to become the actor I’ve always dreamed of being. Maggie Flanigan instilled in me a clear sense of truth and a standard of perfection. I am a better actor because of this studio.”
“As an actor, the core of what you have to rely on is your sense of truth and humanity. Maggie allowed me to discover and embrace mine. Trusting my sense of humanity and truth has given me the ability to take risks in my work and my career decisions.”
“Maggie Flanigan has the unique ability to get an actor to the essence of what is true in a moment. She creates a safe and caring environment in which to work.”
“Maggie Flanigan introduced me to my own spirit and my own sense of Truth. Her passion for teaching and ability to communicate are rare gifts to any actor looking for a technique to set his or her talent free. Maggie’s voice has been the one constant guide in my career.”
