When I was in acting school, I had a teacher who would have us create a multi-sensory space using nothing but our voiceless imagination and then see whether the rest of the class can interpret correctly what we created. I would get up on stage and mentally place the position of doors, tables, and other characters in the room. I would imagine distant sounds, pleasant fragrances or unpleasant odors. Once I believed all my senses had been activated and the space brought to life for others to experience, I would end the exercise, like countless actors before me, with a resounding- “Scene”. All eyes would be on my teacher for his anticipated pronouncement.
“Where is your light source?”
“Uh, my what?”
“Where is your light source? How can we see you if you don’t know what makes you be seen? Is it the sunlight? Where is the window? Do you feel the warmth on your back or is it right in front of you slamming you in the face? Come on man, Where is your light source?
“I don’t know”
“Well then you better find out! (he lets out his signature laugh) Next.”
I sat down but I have never stopped trying to find out. Sometimes my light source can be found in the eyes of my children impatiently waiting for me to finish a responsible adult task before commencing tickle time. Sometimes my light source seems light-years away when life’s challenges get too heavy and the drama too thick. And sometimes my light source- what brings me to the present moment and to what’s really important, comes from hearing of the loss of a beloved friend.
I just found out that my teacher James Spruill- The best teacher I ever had (and I have had many), passed away of pancreatic cancer on December 31, 2010.
Jim, I promise to continue to look for my light source. I know you have found yours.
