There’s a lot going on in the world right now.
For sure, ther’s always been a lot happening on a planet with more than 7.4 billion
inhabitants. And throughout millennia there’s always been tumult and change.
Perhaps it seems ever more chaotic, anxiety-ridden and scary because we get
information and consume data so quickly, that by the time we hear of one disturbing
event, another one comes rushing in to shock us even more.
We already know that the constant stimulation of our brains by technology isn’t
good for us. Our brains need to reboot, go to sleep, just like your computer — and
recharge. The constant news chyron that scrolls across our social media feeds and
TV screens also stimulates our predisposition to depression, anxiety and disconnect.
When the person sitting in the Oval Office is a bully, collectively there is going to be
backlash from such divisive behavior. Often, when we feel powerless to natural
cataclysms and the dismantling of structures that provide stability and comfort, our
reaction is going to be upheaval.
In other words, we feel so overwhelmed by things unraveling we eventually react in
some way so we are heard.
From global temperatures rising across the entire planet, to the Weinstein scandal
to the unrelenting dehumanizing bombardment from an administration that tests
the basic rights and privileges of many citizens, it’s no wonder we feel a tremendous
amount of rage and fear.
So how do we find our own voice when it feels no one is hearing it?
We share our stories one person at a time. You don’t have to be famous to make a
difference. It’s not as much making a loud rallying cry as taking a small step toward
kindness and healing.
In our lives, we start talking to people more. We share our feelings. We listen and
allow for a space to talk about things that are uncomfortable. We breathe. We call up
a friend. We talk to a therapist. We ask for help.
In our work, we express our feelings. We emote. We let go. We release. We challenge
ourselves to talk about and explore those things that we often suppress inside us,
wanting to come out.
It’s up to artists to show people how to connect. And connection comes by sharing.
To be an artist is to walk in someone else’s shoes. But only as ourselves, as we
understand that their experiences aren’t that far removed from our own.
To be an actor is to share with humanity what it truly means to be human.
To be a creator is to tell stories that need to be told through a platform that can help
illuminate the human condition.
To be a citizen of this planet is to walk our journey with empathy and compassion.
This is the greatest calling we can be asked to join. And this also comes through the
realization that to be impactful doesn’t have to happen once we have lots of
Instagram followers or become famous or be on our own TV show.
We are impactful because we are here. Right now. Bearing witness to these
moments of our own lives. That understanding right there makes a difference.