Week 7 Generosity (second part)

Hello Everyone, 

Here is the second part to the "Generosity" entry.  As we approach our production date for "Shakuntala" at Santa Clara University, I'm realizing the need to be continually generous with the students in giving specific feedback and guidance to develop their performance... and so I need to be generous with myself after long rehearsals.  I'm going to strive for more regular entries, even if they are partial ones... maybe as I did with this one, giving the overview and stories on one day, and the suggestions on another.  Thanks for reading and its been great hearing from those of you who find these reflections and practices helpful.

Suggestions:

1. Make a list of the top five qualities you most value in a scene partner.  The next time you begin to work, see if you are able to incorporate those values into what you give.

2. Ask three friends what qualities they most value in you.  Notice if you are conscious of working at those qualities or if they just come naturally.  If you work at them, see how you might apply that same approach to other values.  If they come naturally see if you can determine what it is that keeps you on track, what gives you pleasure in it, or why it holds importance to you.

3. Think of an actor that you think is particularly generous.  (one friend noted that anyone who appears opposite Katherine Hepburn  always seems to do their best.) Watch a film or video with them in it and notice what they do.

4. Try cooking something without a recipe.  Taste it many times along the way to see “what can make this better.”

5. Risk being audacious in believing that you have something to give.  Notice which of your qualities might be a gift to someone else, and see how easy or hard it is to give it consciously.

6. See how long it takes in the course of a day before you witness a generous action.  Continue this for a week and see if your ablilty to notice generosity broadens, or if you notice it sooner in the day

7. Pick one day, or a morning or afternoon and focus on listening. 

Other suggestions:  make a list of good deeds,  try to “light up” an elevator or waiting room with only your presence or your smile, remember to count yourself as someone you can be generous to.