Why artists need a spiritual exercise?

Once again auditions are back into full swing. I am also deeply involved in educational advocacy surrounding the deep budget cuts in Philadelphia as my daughter survives 7th grade. This means that many of my days start at 8 am and do not seem to end until 8 pm or later. Documenting important events for my online newspaper column and making sure that I get in appropriate time to rehearse my audition songs and monologues make me feel lost and at times disoriented. And let's not forget cooking dinner, checking homework, making sure that Maya practices her piano, taking her to choir and piano lessons, and art classes. And volunteering at her school at least once a week. (I just made myself tired writing this- LOL!)

If I forget my morning exercise or my evening meditations and prayers, I feel imbalanced and spiritually empty. There is this great film, That Guy who was in That Thing that interviews several actors about this life. Unlike, those who are on Actors Studio, they are the ones who may have a few roles here and there. They are the "working actor" population. Some of them still live without cable and drive their first car in order to afford the inconsistent checks and the up and down finances. In order to get through the dry periods, they all have a hobby that replenishes their spiritual and emotional self. One started yoga, and he noticed how much calmer and nicer he became when he was waiting to hear about a role or not having work for long periods of time.

This is vital. Artists are so vulnerable. We are always taking risks that exposes us to negative and positive comments. Folks are always telling us no or rejecting us. We are always making project to project decisions. Will this job move me forward artistically? Will it provide a financial cushion? Will it give me 2 more weeks so that I can be eligible for insurance? Do I have to turn to the pole and give myself a stripper name?

I love to walk. It clears my brain and allows new thoughts and feelings to take root. I get to shake off my weekly negativity and replace it it with some positivity. Watching movies and reading books is another way to create a little mental/spiritual staycation. Attending weekly service and having a supportive church family is also another aspect that completes my spiritual armor.

Find your spiritual exercise and find a way to replenish your soul or else.