Hello friends, and community!
Community has been at the forefront of my mind lately. Community, connection and family, and here's why.
In the last few months, I had a series of events that were challenging. I don't need to go in to great detail, but here is the gist of it...
I got really sick. The worst flu I've ever had. Then had a serious allergic reaction to an antibiotic after a root canal infection (Had never taken an antibiotic in my life, and now I know...). A few company's/studios I've worked with in the past acted in ways that were less that ethical or kind which left me feeling frustrated, without work, while I was already depleted. The same week, I received confirmation from multiple festivals that I was not accepted in to the festival because I didn't have "enough of a social media presence" yet. Last, that same month, I was interviewing a social media consultant to take my social media to the next level. Her starting price was $2,000. For a couple of years now, I have felt like, "If I just try harder, if I just do more, if I just do things a little different...". So, when this consultant over the phone told me that we would first need to focus on "developing my social media character", and that I might want to consider "hiring an acting coach", something in me snapped. I literally, inside, said to myself, "I can't do this anymore. I'm done".
Now, I'm not done teaching. I'm not done loving and believing in the practices that I teach. I AM done doing things, and running my business in the same way that I have the last few years. I'm done chasing studios and work. I'm done spending so much time on social media. I'm done making way less than I deserve and working 10 times harder to make said income than I did 15 years ago, and I'm done even trying to work with organizations that will hire someone half my age, with 1/1000th of my experience because they have a large Instagram following. And I sure am not at a point in my life where I want or even could "develop a social media character". I will be myself more than ever, and work with people that are interested in the work, not the "pose", not the popularity or the hype of this industry.
This said, I'm taking a little time off from traveling to teach, and focusing on my streaming site more, what I need to do to be healthier both physically and mentally, family, friends, and how I'm going to move forward as a teacher.
Strangely, after deciding to take some time off, we immediately got a call that we were needed to help with a close family member, and just finished spending two weeks helping her. It was a very sweet time, and I'm so thankful that we were able to pick up, be with her and focus on her and family during a hard time.
At the end of the day lately, I feel the desire more and more to focus on my real life relationships, face time with people, and the intimate connection that only happens when we're together in person.
I hope this week you have time and space to call a friend, sit down with someone you love or care about over coffee, and connect with people you care about in community. There is no substitute for it, and whether we like it or not, social media doesn't count!
On the flip side of all of this(!), if you would like to practice with me, and its not possible to see each other in person at this time, my streaming video members site is there for you. Dozens of videos to help you in your practice and your teaching. 15 minutes to 90 minutes, beginner to advanced, and a great resource for teachers who would like to develop your teaching. 7 day free trial. $9.99 a month after. Click HEREto check out the site.
Be well my friends, my family, my community.
Jamie
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