A Candle Which Burns Twice as Bright, but Half as Long (Part 2)

I’ve already introduced the concept behind this segment (which is 3 parts, so only one more after this one), so I will just dive right into it.

            In order to keep your energy and interest up in anything, it is important that you keep yourself mentally stimulated.  No matter how devoted a person is to their work, it will eventually wear on them.  What I suggest is finding time, every day (or every other), to take a break from your various tasks and projects, and explore the very root of why you are doing what you’re doing, and try to tap into that in a conscious way.

            As I write this, the SOPA and PIPA Acts are an especially relevant topic, and so I will provide you a link to learn more about them, and decide for yourself what side to fall upon. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:CongressLookup?new=yes

http://americancensorship.org/

Why is that a relevant segue?  I’d be a fool if I didn’t admit that one of the easiest way to get back in touch with a variety of passions is the internet, and how it provides such an extraordinary device for exploring so many things (just…don’t spend too much time watching cats on youtube or poking people on facebook…please)

Now that that little rant is out of the way, back to the subject at hand.  Find time to connect with your passion.  There are times when we “need” this, and we take a break to go on a binge of inspiration.  That’s natural.  What I propose, however, is finding a way to regularly stimulate yourself and your passion.  Continue to fan and feed the fire, instead of bringing it back to life as it dies.  It may not be as exciting, but the consistency of your devotion will make you happier.

I cannot tell you how to connect.  Read some blogs about politics if you work on the Hill.  Check the Hopkins news releases to find out about new technology and discoveries if you’re in medicine.  Go to a museum if you love art.  Listen to a new band if you are a musician.  Do something that makes sense, and makes you smile.  Do something that does not feel like work, but keeps you working.

Never stop asking yourself “why?”  If you continue to be able to answer that question, every day of your life, you will know and believe in yourself and your work more than you ever thought possible.  That is the simplest, and surest way to keep your mind healthy and growing.

Today, I leave you with a few of my favorite pieces of art, discovered in those moments where I needed to connect to my own inspiration over the years.

A Candle Which Burns Twice as Bright, but Half as Long (Part 1)

            Burning the midnight oil.  Burning the candle at both ends.  Phrases that those who are passionate about their work are all too familiar with.  However, what do they get you in the end?

            Burnt out.

            I wanted to take a moment, after the holidays (and a prolonged illness I had, which further contributed to the posting delay), to talk about the importance of taking care of one’s self.  Your mind, body, and spirit are your trade, and so it should be common sense that you do everything you can to ensure that they are protected, well-nourished, and will continue to serve you for your entire life. 

            This post is inspired by the new year, and my personal resolution to recommit myself to taking care of my person.  I’m young, and should be in much better shape than I am (and thankfully I recognize that now, while it’s easy to change).  Additionally, I’ve incurred a number of stupid injuries from work due to carelessness in the earlier years of my education, and as my career continues to move forward, I am more acutely aware of those younger than me who make similar mistakes that I did.  Finally, I am currently in the midst of a month which has come with a great deal of stress from a great deal of sources (an all too common and familiar problem), and so I’m making a conscious effort to ensure that the stress does not wear on my passion.

            So let’s break this down into three parts: body, mind, and spirit, and discuss how you can help take care of them, in a way that is relevant to those of us who work in the arts, and beyond.

            Body:

            Working out is the obvious advice one can give.  I have never loved working out, until I discovered how valuable it is as a stress reliever.  I do not have a routine for working out (though I’m trying to build one), because a regular schedule is about as difficult to find as a unicorn with a degree in physics from MIT.  However, I still try to find 30 minutes every day, to run, stretch, do yoga, or even basics such as sit ups and push ups.  If you think that’s daunting, think about the many hours of work you do, and how you inevitably need a break.  Make one of those breaks a break to work out.  Especially if you find your energy level dropping, a quick work out is the best way to get yourself up and going again.

            Eating right is the other part of the challenge.  Late nights, long rehearsals, and high stress levels almost always lead to snacking and fast food.  I know, and part of the reason I’m putting this down on paper is to hold myself accountable, since I can’t exactly say “do as I say, not as I do, as I eat this cheeseburger at 3am.”  While some degree of slips are inevitable, I challenge everyone to cook their own dinners, or bring pre-prepared salads, and do this for as long as possible.  Very quickly, you’ll notice that the temptation for those unhealthier foods goes away, as you really do feel better, and operate better.

            Finally, sleep.  I know, I know, “what is this ‘sleep’ you speak of?”  Obviously, some sleepless nights are unavoidable.  That’s life.  All I am encouraging each and every person to do is to avoid them where possible, and to be conscious of what you really need.  It is not a contest of “who can do the most shows with the least sleep,” because everybody loses in that scenario.  Be well rested, so you can do your job to the best of your ability.

            Taking care of your body through diet, exercise, and proper rest helps prevent you from getting sick or injured, and keeps you working longer and more effectively.  As has been a recurring motif in this blog, I encourage you to take this advice as needed, but more importantly, to just take a moment and consider what it means to you.  The more conscious you are of what your body needs, the better you can take care of it, and the better it can serve you.

This is not me.  Yet.