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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
Any one who has common sense will remember that the bewilderment of the eyes are of two kinds, and arise from two causes. Either from coming out of the light or from going into the light, which is true of the mind's eye, quite as much as of the bodily eye. And he who remembers this when he sees any one whose vision is perplexed and weak will not be too ready to laugh. He will first ask whether that soul of man has come out of the brighter life, and is unable to see because unaccustomed to the dark, or having turned from darkness to the day is dazzled by excess of light. And he will count the one happy in his condition and state of being, and he will pity the other. Or, if have a mind to laugh at the soul which comes from below into the light, there will be more reason in this than in the laugh which greets him who returns from above out of the light into the den.
~Plato's, The Republic. --- This is so true, my idea's, at least. And I thought I'd share it with all of you. I have mental illness myself, severe depression among other "problems." Maybe art and deep depression are are related. In fact, under my insurance I'm considered "seriously mentally ill." I don't share that with many people, and I'm not afraid of any stigma. I don't even believe it myself - I think I function well enough. And this bias that's with Mental Illness - it's stupid. I encourage everyone to read the book Flowers for Algernon. What really blows my mind is this: All the great achievements have been achieved through some form of madness, whether slight or great. There realy is a link between achievement and psychosis. And what is that? Creating false realities about yourself. Like schizophrenia, delusional and paranoid thinking (People are after me, everyone is, and is going to kill me. Or, I'm the President of the United states and Bill gates is my wife!) Isn't it interesting though? If you think about it, magic creates these false realities. It just twists, molds, and makes us think. Apollo Robbins in the EMC DVD's referred to magic as "Reality is only an illusion, albeit a good one." And I mentioned, "Reality is what we perceive it to be." IF that's the case, then that's what magic does exactly. Creates false realities for people. WE CREATE False Realities for people. Especally by assumputions! And what is mental illness sometimes made worse by, false assumptions! Isn't that interesting? Think about that for a moment. They aren't really linked at all, but when you think about it that way, they are perfectly. Indeed, THAT"s why it works! But seriously, think about Mental Illness for a second. Think about all the great people that had it, especially depression and bi-polar, and some type of schizo-effective disorder. Einstein some people are thinking may very well had a type of Autism called (aspergers), Isaac newton the same, among many, many other people. The inventor of FM Radio jumped off a building and died when he learned no one would use FM radio. (Boy was he wrong). The inventor of Kodak film even killed himself. Pessimism aside, I encourage everyone to read that book. It will change your life. It will help make you a better person. You know what I find really interesting? Mental illness. Specifically, Mental Illness's symptoms. Like cognitive distortion, distortions in your mind of what's reality. Magical thinking, "mind reading", seeing things as the worst possible outcome. From a magician's perspective though, if there is such a statement as: "Reality is as we perceive it." And mental illness can indeed, make us a false reality (Think psychosis). Then magic does the same. It creates false REALITIES for people. That's why it works. That's how you fool people, by twisting their cognitive thinking processes, molding and forming what's REAL. And that's amazing, the similiarities, isn't it? I Think so! |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
We all fall short and have our own thinking errors now and then. We also have many in the etertainment world that also deal with mental health issues. I have been in the field of magic and counseling about the same amount of time. Cognitive(thinking errors) are found on and off stage, within teens, and in folks from the corporate world to correctional facilities.
Some of us are more comfortable in roles whether as magicians or in theatrical productions,than the role of "playing themselves". Some try to self medicate through alcohol or street medication. Some are in search for the perfect high, others for the perfect magical effect. When I started sharing more of me on and off stage, I found more comfort in both places. I used to just look at the negatives (drop coin or coins from one hand to the other)....these days I look up to a world of possibilities.(do the muscle pass with 1 or 2 coins so the coin(s) appear to go straight up.) When I left high school, my goal was to become a math teacher. Courses from basic math to analytic trigonometry and calculus led in that direction. A decision to take a class in abnormal psychology led me to take a different fork in the road. (Berra...if you find a fork in the road, take it" I love using coins and other props in my self titled, Doctor of Laughology Program. Works better for me than the one of my humorous clients moved the first 3 letters away from the rest in a name plate by my door. (Therapist) Harris now and zen life makes my whole body smile
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
Since you studied abnormal psycology, have you heard of dabroski's theory of positive disintegration? Or TPD. I seem to really like OE in that thoery.
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Haven't heard of it, but after doing a few quick readings can understand why. He died in 1980 and there is not a whole lot out there these days.
Mental illness and creativity are a fine line and to borrow a someone else's words in the eye of the beholder. Some entertainers including magicians have things such as ADHD or one of the autism spectrums. Mental health professionals over time have agreed and disagreed on whether something was and illness. One example is alcoholism. Entertainers (including coin magicians) can argue/have discussions on things such as sleights versus effect, use of common objects versus strange props. Oh what fun we have on this entertaining journey. Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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Atom3339 Inner circle Spokane, WA 3242 Posts |
Our buddy STFS just posted a video w/ a mental illness theme in his patter. I thought it was excellent and I can see him helping others with Magic Therapy, just as I have with Music Therapy in the past. And his magic has improved SO much---I think he's Ponta's clone!
TH
Occupy Your Dream |
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
One of my favorite venues are mental health conventions, facilities and within the recovery community.
Of all the quotes from clients over the years, I like one from a man I worked with at Kansas' Oldest Bed and Breakfast (AKA Lansing Penitentiary)..among all the counselors I have had, you are the strangest. A middle schooler I work with, quipped, "I like talking with you, because I can't predict your reponse.". Over the years he could predict things that counselors would suggest to him. Harris "its fun to be nearly normal"
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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SmileAndNod Veteran user 316 Posts |
As a Bipolar magician, I've always found the weight of a coin in my hand reassuring, and the practicing of magic relaxing. The feeling of having control through manipulation compared with having a lack of control over the rest of me is very empowering. As for creativity, I have written a stage performance with magic that I have posted in the "We Double Dare You" section that deals with depression. If you would like to read and critique, I would be thankful.
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
Nice! Ill have to watch it later. Before I lost weight, heres a video from 2-3 years ago. This was around the time rannie was my mentor. What a fantastic magician he is. I remember someones comment saying how fat I was,...on my older youtube videos. What's interesting is I lost the weight and improved magically within those 2 years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VZEZyk7fsQ
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
I've been not trying to tell anyone. But I got a job working for french drop, magic shop . The one ponta the smith works at. It's a lot of work and pressure. I cant go into details what I'm working on....
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
The video with mental health patter is great.
Excellent. After reading Zen and the art of the monologue,(Jay S) and other books and pamphlets over the years, my magic comes to reflect more of me. It looks like you have found the same connection. Patter connects better with the audience when it is true to you. Keep growing and glowing... Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
I had a dream for years. I'm going to compete for FISM one day.
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Atom3339 Inner circle Spokane, WA 3242 Posts |
Fish, Congrats on the job! Yay!
TH
Occupy Your Dream |
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27297 Posts |
Fish, congrats on the job.
Anything folks here could do to offer support or an ear to bend if you need to talk?
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
Someone told me "Loose lips sink ships." and now I feel bad. Maybe I shouldnt've said anything. I'm not sure of what I can and can't talk about, so I'll play it safe and not say anything else until I can. Wish I could get more help, but I'm doing good. I will ask this though. How can I make my magic better, more deeply moving emotionally? I want to people to remember ME, and not my tricks as puzzles. I think maybe some do already. But my low confidence keeps me from seeing it.
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harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I found a lot of good stuff in Jay Sankey's Zen and the Monologue.
Seems like I got it through United States..inter library loan. Check with your local library or favorite book seller. Goshman's (who after seeing him back in the 70's started me on my journey with coins) book opens with a preface about the magic being you.(about you) Many people read books from chapter 1, I like to read the forwards/preface... I believe you will compete in FISM. There is a story about an actor that carrried around a million dollar check. Yes at one point in his career, he did make that amount. Anyone know who it was. (perhaps Jim Carey???) Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
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Atom3339 Inner circle Spokane, WA 3242 Posts |
Fish, People remember YOU when you get THEM involved. This is done in many ways. Asking their names. Having a dialogue while showing an effect. Eye contact. Having an audience member holding coins. You can be very creative here. And I'm sure Café members have some great ideas / experiences they can share.
THIS is how they will remember YOU: "That's the cool magician who paid attention to ME; who included ME!"
TH
Occupy Your Dream |
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Hare Veteran user 323 Posts |
I've been an artist all my life- I draw and writer for Walt Disney full time for both their comics and games, I teach guitar and was in a few rock bands in my youth, (and try and sing), am learning the violin in my 50s. I've written screenplays, short stories, and many articles on a lot of subjects. I made a couple movies as a student in college. I was getting regularly paid for magic shows when I was about 12-17, and have never stopped doing coin manipulation- I love magic.
Over the years I've met many artists of various types. One thing that many of us share is a profound sense of being crippled when it comes to relationships/communication with people in a traditional sense. A lot of folks have this silly point of view that artists are sensitive souls that must make them close to others- but generally speaking, a lot of creative people cope with their lack of being in touch with others through their art. Art lets us communicate. It is not just a means of expression, in some cases, it's our primary means of expressing ourselves. Art is healing, nurturing. It protects us when we are incapable of telling others how we feel. Writing a song, drawing a portrait, performing a trick, offers an artist escape from the realities of the world and a chance to say something in a unique, meaningful way. You are on the right path, Fish, and I wish you the very best at your new job- it's fun, not pressure- always try and approach magic with that perspective, even when it's hard. Don't try and oversell yourself- just let yourself be heard.
"Better described in The Amateur Magician's Handbook"
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
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On 2012-04-12 12:00, Atom3339 wrote: Thanks Atom. I do this with my sponge ball routine. I'm trying to make it so its not so much of a "puzzle" or competetiton between the spectator and magician. In the Mark Wilson book on the Sponge Routine, in the routine the magician makes a sponge vanish and pulls out another sponge from the pocket and crosses the hands, asking the specatotr's to guess which hands it in. I took this out of my routine. From reading my book on Showmanship by Nelms, I feel this is a mistake. It challenges the spectator, it may even make them possibly feel inferior, because it's always a guessing game. I took it out of my routine, because, perhaps it was the way I was presenting it too: Some spectators would unconsciously cross their arms when I did it. This gave me a Possible clue, and sometimes I felt it wasnt necessary. So instead I just split it into 2. I've been trying to rid my routines of inccessary discreipties. But I find out I cant please everyone. There was one man I was performing for today, had a bit confidence to him (whether it was real or fake), and when I started my patter he immdiately said "I don't want to hear that crap. Just do the trick." I performed it , and then he immediately spotted me. Most people I think want to be fooled. This guy didn't care it seemed, he just wanted to figure me out. He didn't even seem to care abuot magic at all. Just to figure me out. So, he did. I try not to let it bother me. I can't be perfect. There's going to be people like that. I did the routine many other times throughout the last couple days with good success. I failed a couple more times, and learned to have a lighter touch. It's Eric Jones bodyloading sequence from Metal 2 with coins. I felt it would be good, because it forces me to get out there and overcome my fears and get out of it, you know? Sometimes I seem to be doing good, with my magic, or appear humble. But I think it's a constant state of self-doubt, never being able to celebrate any success (I don't see any) and constantly needing a validation from someone. I just think maybe I'm incompetent. I think I know better, but I don't. Maybe I'm blowing it out of porportion with my parents. Maybe it wasn't that bad. This all kind of blew out from under me big time when I realized I got a job I wanted for years, and my dream I had 3 years ago, which I had totally fogotten about until 3 days ago,I realized had come true. I was in the hospital the last 3 days, because I hit rock bottom. I hate to sound so melodramatic. Maybe you guys don't want to hear about my life story, and I probably shouldnt' share it. But I suffer greatly under everything. I feel like a fraud, an imposter, a phony. I feel so ashamed of myself I don't know what to say.I feel like I lied to everyone.I don't feel I deserved anything. I'm so afraid what others will think of me. I feel I'll lose control of myself. I don't know what else to say. You guys are my best friends. I guess I just feel numb , like a machine who tries to keep going, but doesn't feel anything. I can't live in the moment. I'm always looking higher. No doubt, I got to get stuff done. And I realize I learn from failure, but its this constant fear of self-doubt. My mom told me today: "Kevin, look at that guy. wouldn't you like to have muscles like *him*?" I told her, "don't I look good enough to you?" Mom: "You do, but look at that guy, sheesh!" I'm confused. My mom says I look OK but my dad says I'm too thin. when I was fat he said that it was embarassing. |
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Strange Tasting Fish Sticks 1988 - 2013 The Big Brother is watching you 1095 Posts |
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On 2012-04-13 13:11, Hare wrote: I like to work. The work doesn't' bother me. I have a strong sense now I feel completely ridiculous. I feel completely unworthy all of a sudden. And it's gotten worse lately. I still am going to work hard, its just a profound sense of being "found out" as some type of fraud or bad person. |
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magicalaurie Inner circle Ontario, Canada 2962 Posts |
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On 2012-04-15 00:15, Strange Tasting Fish Sticks wrote: There are alpha dogs out there with something to prove- he's got his own issues. I'd take it as a compliment if you can spin it that way, Kevin, he obviously thinks you're a contender! The self doubt you speak of is not uncommon to any performer- you've got a magnified focus on it right now and that's become ingrained- it's gonna play itself over and over- but you've got great insight into it now, Kevin, and you can get around it. Continue to see through it, see it for what it really is. Moment to moment, set fear aside, continue to focus positively. The negative will fade away. Don't try to drive it out- that will intensify it, just continue to refocus yourself on the positive. You ARE a TALENTED, LIKABLE individual and magician, people will remember you. I'm proof of that, Kevin- I remember your real name, see? Take care of yourself. Folks here do care about your life. You will succeed, you've already done a lot of succeeding and you know it. Carry on, one foot in front of the other, you know what you need to do. |
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