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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
Who are you???
you should be a “self-directed lifetime learner” – or such is the claim of institutional education. Let’s pretend that is true – that you have the ability to change “who you are” in a continuous process of study, practice, contemplation and appraisal of value orientation. Who you are right now is but a shadow of what you can be. That’s why you are a Mentalist, right? You interact with others in a unique way so that what you learn from the experience can help you be person you ought to be. Well, we can pretend … At least the Billy Joel Syndrome is in place -- “I am … merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.” So, you only have to strive to be “more than competent” in the areas of memory, empathy, intuition, listening, presence, etc. in order to appear to have paranormal abilities. How do you develop such skills outside of “doing it” on stage? After all, practice does not make perfect – perfect practice makes perfect. What can you do in everyday life to enhance your personal development as “more than competent?” I can offer two exercises that might help. I won’t justify why these work or how I came to know of them – happy to do that off-list with any who care. 1) Whenever you are in a crowd of persons dis-focused for a short time such as church before the service, a bus station lull or folks basking in the sun at a park. Difficult as today many have some electronic device in their ear. Mentally reach out to each individual by staring at their skull and whispering inside, “I see you there.” Observe how some will squirm a bit and a few turn and look back at you. Later, consider what was unique about those who responded and those who did not. How does this experience change you? 2) Make a point of always physically touching every person with whom you have a chance encounter – strangers at the check-out counter, bank clerk or mailman, for example. It is easy to extend your fingers during the passing of a receipt and touch their palm or wrist. At each touch extend your mind to offer, “Good Morning or GodSpeed.” It helps if you make your mind smile. Later, consider the reactions you receive or did not. Who are you in this process? After doing either/both of these for a couple of weeks, consider what changes there are in how you interact with people during a performance. The key is that your performance is never finished until you do some personal reflection.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
The touching thing is not appropriate in most Muslim countries or even anywhere in Asia, generally...
Just a gentle reminder.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Art Vanderlay Special user All I Read Was Corinda And Now I Have 642 Posts |
If someone who I didn't know stroked my hand whilst smiling I would be slighty miffed off!!
But I get your point chief. I like to send "Energy Darts" at people in the street. Speak to Dale Hildebrandt regarding this fun little exercise. Always makes me feel better and the other person too! Cheers, Art.
THE MAN WHO CONTROLS THE ELEMENTS!
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funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
So, to clarify. I never mentioned "stroking" or "smiling" in an obvious way. A casual and brief touch "as if by accident" is enough. It is your mind that should be smiling, but I physically smile all of the time.
I have done this all of my life, including stays in Korea, Taiwan and Japan. I never had a negative reaction -- perhaps because of "who I am" in the process. I have less experience in Muslim countries,, but with Muslims in the USA have had no problem. If they are willing to extend their hand they give permission to touch. I would never reach out and touch another without some implied permission -- even a hand on shoulder might go amiss. Regardless, all of the positive reactions you will get are worth the risk. For example, after the empathic touch of the hand of a clerk in a grocery store, she followed me out and asked if I could help her start her car -- dead battery. She said, "I was not sure who might have jumper cables and was embarrassed to ask my boss. I know that you can help me." How did she know that I carry jumper cables? Psychic, I guess.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
Art Vanderlay Special user All I Read Was Corinda And Now I Have 642 Posts |
So if you stroke me I will start following you and doing chores for you? LOL
Just kidding chief I got your point the first time round I agree to a certain extent. Subtle physical contact in the APPROPRIATE situation can work wonders for that persons trust and willingness to cooperate. At the same time, quite firm contact can also have an effect. On stage, I will place my hand on a gentlemans shoulder when assisting him to stand at a certain point of the stage, I really grab his shoulder! I firmly place my hand on him, grip quite tight and almost move him with some force to where I want to go. (obviosuly I don't shove him!) My language says "Can you stand over here for me please" whilst smiling. However my physical contact also non verbally says "don't mess with me!" Since doing this I have NEVER had someone act up onstage. Cheers, Art.
THE MAN WHO CONTROLS THE ELEMENTS!
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C.J. Inner circle There's a lotta rambling in my 2366 Posts |
I read many years ago on one or other of these forums the idea of mentally extending a specific good thought (or "blessing" if you will) when shaking someone's hand. That is, when engaging in a handshake, say in your mind "I hope you have a really good day" or "You are an important person". I occasionally remember to do this - it makes the physical shake so much stronger and more expressive, and makes the action more meaningful. I don't have any cool psychic stories to share as a result of it, but I like doing it.
Connor Jacobs - The Thought Sculptor
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur Be fondly remembered. |
IAIN Eternal Order england 18807 Posts |
I would say its just as important to be aware of the times you do all of this, and remember the times where nothing has happened as well as the times that they do... staring into the back of someone's head may well cause a reaction, as staring is generally seen as a bit intense/rude...
thinking of something positive in your own mind, will of course, make your own shake and smile more sincere, because of how your own brain works...(scientific studies back this up) - just as a gentle touch on the forearm can bring out friendliness and willingness to perform favours (not like that, dirty minded hooligans!)... the scientific studies and experiments of smiling to yourself in a mirror, positive use of imagination and the forearm touching can be found in Rip It Up by Dr. Wiseman...(i'm not generally a fan of his work, but I found that book very good)... the imagination is a hugely powerful tool, I think we have to be careful that we do not deceive ourselves with it...
I've asked to be banned
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C.J. Inner circle There's a lotta rambling in my 2366 Posts |
Yes, what Iain said. To me, it's much more about using a system to remind me to take a moment to actually CARE about the other person, rather than just mindlessly engaging in social convention. And yes, I can balance "system" and "genuine care" quite nicely, thank you.
Connor Jacobs - The Thought Sculptor
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur Be fondly remembered. |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-07-02 07:31, C.J. wrote: I like that idea of an 'inner dialogue' for handshakes... Nice. Only practised it for performing but this makes sense, even more. Thanks CJ!
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
To back up what others are saying, I learned years ago that if you smile while talking on the telephone, even to a stranger, that smile shows itself in your voice. We are not discrete mechanisms. Everything we do or think influences the entire system. Maybe not psychic, but definitely communicating on a “more than verbal” level.
...what if I could read your mind?
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