Soul Fitness

We all have our ways of being/feeling one with the rest of humankind. For some this might be through religious services; for others it is a different social network, perhaps people we grew up with or met via past school or work experiences. I'll tell you, there is one special thing that makes me feel connected with people: The theater. Seeing an actor on a stage speaking in front of me...I lose myself in the activity I'm watching. It happens in a way that no flat image on a film or television screen can. Those living, breathing souls onstage engulf me.

It was great timing that I could see a show this week. My life has been devoid of several things for some time. I haven't had a relationship in years. Since getting divorced, I've become a recluse only leaving the house to go to work, take my son somewhere, or go skate. I haven't been in a play in well over a decade now. At one time I thought I would be a constant on a stage. I love love LOVE acting. I love writing scripts. I love one person standing under a spotlight shining down on them as they speak these words that were not originally their own, but they have internalized to the point that they have become there own and, in fact, they are yours now as well. As you watch, you are the character just as the actor is. God, theater is amazing!

And, like poetry, it is too far forgotten both by the general public and, unfortunately, by me. Well, just as I am going for physical fitness over these next 8 months, I am also going for mental and spiritual fitness. After having a 2+ mile run and a couple hours of skating, it was time to get a spiritual workout tonight. 

I went to see Threads by Jerre Dye. This isn't a play, but a collection of scenes and monologues he has written over a period of some time. In all honesty, I felt tears well up in my eyes within the first few minutes of watching the very first scene. For the next hour, it was a constant wave of emotions. It was wonderful. Call it voyeuristic living, but I lived for a time with those people on that stage tonight, and I love them all for it. I urge all of you in Memphis to see this collection, and become a part of it. For the rest of you, visit the theater and see a play as soon as you can. See if you have the same reaction I have.

For me, I am going to up my spiritual fitness level. I have decided to get on a stage at some point in the near future. I don't know how or when, but I have a knew goal.