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25 Oct 99 - 11:38 AM (#127774) Subject: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Peter T. "As actors, it is important for us to use not only the good things about ourselves, but the wrong things, the things that we struggle against in ourselves. Those are part of what make us unique. If we cut ourselves off from them, we lose a lot of what we have to give: our unique gifts." - Sharon Stone ("Inside the Actor's Studio" - Interview with James Lipton) |
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25 Oct 99 - 02:29 PM (#127826) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Bert For actors yes, but I don't think it's true for the rest of us. |
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25 Oct 99 - 02:36 PM (#127829) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Freddie Fox Surely it's better to use the things we don't like in ourselves rather than trying to shut them off? F'rinstance - I've still got quite a hot temper, and if I grit my teeth and don't let it out, sooner or later there's a big explosion [no, I haven't hurt anyone yet, but...] So now, if I'm in a bad mood, I go upstairs and completely blitz the bedrooms. Thus, I work off my bad mood and achieve something useful at the same time. We can't ignore any part of ourselves without becoming less than ourselves - we can, however, set up new pathways so the faults don't hurt ourselves or anyone else. |
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25 Oct 99 - 02:54 PM (#127831) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: AllisonA(Animaterra) I agree, Freddie. We may dislike and resist and try to ignore our "shadow" side, but often there lies creativity as well. Allison |
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25 Oct 99 - 03:00 PM (#127836) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Allan C. Hell yes! There are many, many times when my evil twin can put emotions into songs that wouldn't normally come out. There are lots of songs, the lyrics of which are in the first person, which deal with the not-so-nice people of the world. These are the ones my evil twin sings so well! |
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25 Oct 99 - 03:16 PM (#127844) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Max True, our quirks, goods and bads make us who we are. Denying, disguising or hiding them is futile and misrepresents oneself, not to mention requires a lot of life and creative energy, thereby wasting it and taking it away from another, more likely better way to use that energy. I'd say Sharon is right, about an actor or any other type of artist, as well as in life, and certainly in love. |
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25 Oct 99 - 03:34 PM (#127856) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: kendall It's pointless to try to cover the dark side. When I walk into a store and they are blaring that racket that passes for music these days, it doesn't sooth me as it is meant to do, it makes me want to break things and hurt people. Of course, I dont (well, not yet anyway) so, I leave and try to examine why that crap is so annoying to me. The problem is not the "music" it is me. As POGO once said, "We have met the enemy, and he is us." |
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25 Oct 99 - 04:27 PM (#127874) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Jack (Who is called Jack) You can't deny what is in you without letting it control you more than it should. Especially if it has an fiery or explosive nature. You have to embrace and accept it to have whatever control of it is possible. You are better off riding on the tiger's back than running in front of him. |
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25 Oct 99 - 04:33 PM (#127878) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Uilleand From one of my teachers: It's the flaws in the crystals that create the rainbows. |
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25 Oct 99 - 04:35 PM (#127879) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Allan C. And from a friend of mine: "It's the cracked ones, what let the light in." |
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25 Oct 99 - 04:48 PM (#127884) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Bert Curious, I had not expected to be the only one in disagreement. Especially as so many of us get really up tight when a certain 'catter does use the wrong things within himself. I think that we need to recognize and 'control' those things that are wrong and not inflict them upon others. Then we can be unique AND civilized. Bert. |
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25 Oct 99 - 04:58 PM (#127887) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Uilleand I guess it all depends on what you label as 'wrong'. Usually what we deny rules us. Too leave the shadow unexplored is to give it power. I think many times when we do things we label as 'wrong' it's because we are unaware of what causes us to act a certain way. To me exploring my dark sides means accepting it first of all, instead of judging it, which doesn't help. And then to question my motives, before acting. The gap between how someone should act and how they do act is so often purely in the mind of the viewer. But it seems to me mostly that I find something 'wrong' with myself when I should do something and don't or shouldn't and do. But without examining the why, I'm usually doomed to repeat those 'wrongs' even if I'm determined not to. But without them, how would I grow? If we were all perfect, what are doing here? To me the challenge is to love everyone, including myself not just in spite of, but because of these flaws. Gotta love humanity for trying, if nothing else. |
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25 Oct 99 - 05:09 PM (#127888) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Allan C. Bert, I think it is apples vs. oranges. My belief is that Sharon Stone was talking was very much in the context of acting. I think she was speaking about getting in touch with the not-so-good side of ourselves in order to act out the part of that kind of character. The ability to do that can set one apart from other actors. Now, if one wants to attempt to apply that to the "all the world is a stage" idea, I think it falls apart. But if you can use it in your art, whether it be painting, acting, singing, or whatever, you can bring a uniqueness to your performance. Let's say you are singing "John Hardy". By some accounts, John wrote this while the gallows were being built with which to hang him for murder. One could sing it with the feeling of being a braggart or with that of one who was truly contrite for what he had done. I think that being in touch with either of those feelings could very much enhance one's performance of the song. There are probably better examples; but this one came to mind. |
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25 Oct 99 - 05:54 PM (#127903) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Freddie Fox Another example 'cos it's easier than trying to explain in the abstract. As a Christian I find the concept of extra-marital sex wrong [NB I APPLY THIS TO ME PERSONALLY AND NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO ANYONE ELSE SO I'M NOT BEING PI OR JUDGEMENTAL]. So occasionally, I meet a truly gorgeous bloke... I could do three things; a] have an affair, which would be allowing my wrong side it's way, and would be totally wrong for me b] ignore the way I'm feeling, and run the risk of things getting completely out of hand when I'm least expecting it c] recognise my feelings and try to analyse them, so that I can accept the person as a friend in whose company I can take pleasure without anything I don't want getting in the way [There is a fourth way, and that's to avoid him like the plague, but that's not always possible, and it's a shame to lose a friend if there's a reasonable way round it]. So much for the lecture - that doesn't always work, but it's certainly the ideal [well I think so, anyway!] |
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25 Oct 99 - 07:27 PM (#127932) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Little Neophyte Uilleand, what a beautiful contribution You are so right about accepting your darkside. It is very important to avoid judging yourself or feeling guilty about thoughts or behavior that may hold no great virtue. To be truly loving to others we must also be loving and compassionate with ourselves. When working on this issue, I like to think of what the Daliai Lama once said "if you can't be of help to others, then at least be of no harm" Little Neo |
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25 Oct 99 - 08:35 PM (#127948) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: McGrath of Harlow If you don't have a bit of grit you can't make a pearl. But the pearl surely keeps the bit of grit in its place.
As the man said, there's a time for every purpose under heaven. Or maybe that should be porpoise? Save the whale, anyway. |
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25 Oct 99 - 11:04 PM (#128014) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: sophocleese If you block part of yourself out of any artistic endeavor where you want to be fully involved you cheat yourself and others. Some of your energy will always be turned inward to control that section you aren't allowing out. This doesn't always mean that you will create ugliness when its allowed out. Darkness adds contrast to light. Sometimes seeing and understanding the shadows you will then decide to transcend them and create beauty. |
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25 Oct 99 - 11:31 PM (#128029) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: catspaw49 Bert, I agree with you. Your argument has much to its merit and your points are well made. Spaw (actually, that's BS; I just feel sorry for the poor bloke) |
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26 Oct 99 - 01:08 AM (#128060) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: katlaughing First off, I am prejudiced because I cannot stand Sharon Stone and don't consider much of what she says or pretends to act of merit.(Running for over NOW!) I agree with 'Spaw. I think we can know our lesser parts but not let them out to harm ourselves or others. Yes, we can channel them to be constructive like cleaning or exercising or writing , whatever. Funny, my nickname used to be "Irish" for my temper and my red hair. I have over the years decided it wasn't worht the energy to let loose as often and now try to do so in more constructive ways. I have always htought iot was best to get things out though and NOT hold them in, esp. anger. Now, today, I read a report which says those of who let it out all the time and those who hold it in all of the time are much morelikely to have heart disease than those in between, whcih brings us back to the balance I am always striving for. The Dalai Lama is my hero. kat |
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26 Oct 99 - 01:52 PM (#128243) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: McGrath of Harlow I'm with you kat, on Sharon Stone. And also on the Dalai Lama - you probably never saw the BBC promtional clip in which he hums the station tune of BBC World Service (Liliburlero)and giggles. He's a great giggler.
I sometimes think the best way to build and maintain a friendship is not so much to look for thinks you both like, but for things you dislike in common. |
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26 Oct 99 - 02:51 PM (#128265) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Peter T. Actually, the reason I posted this was that I happened to see this long interview as part of the Actor's Studio series, and I was struck by how intelligent and articulate Sharon Stone was in comparison with her official persona on screen and off. They had a recent interview on the same series with Julia Roberts which was the same. Formidably intelligent women with great character. They were sane about being women in a male dominated society, about their personae, and about their life histories. yours, Peter T. |
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26 Oct 99 - 03:01 PM (#128268) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Allan C. Sometimes, Peter, all you have to do is set the box on the table and watch as people come along to guess what might be in it. |
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26 Oct 99 - 03:08 PM (#128271) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Peter T. I'm going to have to think about that one, Allan. yours, Peter T. (Translation: What Zen koan is this he is talking about????) |
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26 Oct 99 - 03:13 PM (#128275) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Penny S. When I write something which "works" like the leprechaun story I posted some time back, it has accessed something which I think of as the "dark side" of me, something buried, which I cannot, and do not wish to access any other way. It is quite distinct from the nasty side of me, the side of me which wishes wrong, and would do wrong if it could (and sometimes does, when I won't let someone ease into the traffic because I'm in a bad mood). I could be as ugly as a Sheela-na-gig over some people I know of who have ruined the lives of people I care for. That does not produce anything good. So I agree with Sharon Stone in one way, but also with Bert. That dark has to be under some sort of control. Penny |
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26 Oct 99 - 03:20 PM (#128280) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Allan C. I was referring to the many directions our ideas go when confronted with something the meaning of which is not obvious - and sometimes even when it is! It makes for wonderful thread drift (I like that so very much more than "creep"). This happens quite often with your "Thought for the Day" threads. |
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26 Oct 99 - 03:22 PM (#128282) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: Micca If I may contribute 3 of the great (non-Christian)guiding tenets to live by are: 1 "Do what you will but harm none" (Wicca) 2 "Everything you do to others comes threefold"( Wicca) 3 "Know thyself" (the Oracle at Delphi) If you can manage within these 3 then you act from acceptance of your whole self and a clear understanding of that which you are. Sorry if this is a bit Zen but if you can not see and accept yourself "warts and all" how can you have honest, truthful relations or communication with anyone else? I have only been visiting and posting for a short while and it is clear to me already the affection, honesty, and supportive good feeling for each other that flys around here (liberally sprinkled with teasing and humour(British spelling)is more than a compenstion and counter for any "dark side" you may have.If you do not believe me read the posts from Catspaw and the supportive posts he received recently. |
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26 Oct 99 - 03:50 PM (#128296) Subject: RE: Thought for the Day (Oct 25) From: katlaughing Micca, three tenets I do try to live by, in fact a very nice blend. I do believe in knowing the drak side of oneself, but not necessarily in letting it out, for in that I could be breaking the first tenet of doing no harm. Sorry if I've misjudged Stone, Peter. We get Actor's Studio. Will have to wacth for the rerun. Kevin, I have seen that spot of the Dalai Lama humming and giggling; also the one with Billy Connelly. We get BBC America which has quite a lot of good stuff on it, including those. kat |