The Power of Getting Lost

In one of my recent trips to New York, I had the opportunity to witness the production of “Sleep No More” by emursive theatre.

I say ‘witness’ because all audience members wore a Mask and were silent witnesses to the unfolding of the dramatic story (based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth) which took place in an almost-pitch-black, six storey building. As audience members we were forbidden to speak, but were encouraged to explore, engage and experience this performance on every level: emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual, and to fully engage our senses.

I don't have the best sense of direction (I took a wrong turn once and ended up in another country - but that's a story for another time). The experience was, at times, scary (I got lost in the dark and couldn’t see), circular (I got lost in the dark, and kept coming back to the same patch of road), and exciting (I got lost in the dark, and then suddenly found myself in the midst of the action).

Now, this is not a review (although if you are travelling to NYC, I wholeheartedly encourage you to see this production), however, my experience of this ‘immersive’ performance created an intense awareness of being present in every moment and enjoying the thrill of discovery. And being masked added another dimension. Although I put ON the mask, what it removed was my inhibition – I was totally free to play in whatever way I chose – no judgement, no right or wrong. Total freedom.

And this is what I discovered, wandering (and wondering) about in the dark:

We only need a little bit of light to discover things for ourselves.

When everything appears to be pitch black, even the smallest ray of light has the brilliant power of a spotlight. When we feel we have lost our way, or perhaps the way is not clear, what light can you bring to the situation that will help clarify your thoughts? And if you are struggling to find light in your personal well of darkness, who do you know that you can reach out to for support? Who has the knowledge or the spotlight that can help you pierce the darkness of confusion?

Sometimes our journey may appear circular - and that's okay

Yes, I’m pretty sure I’ve been down this road many times already, but every time I revisit this place, this emotion, this collection of lived experiences, I’M different because of what I’ve accumulated along the way. I see things with fresh eyes – eyes that have taken in distinctive points of view, different expressions of self and others. And a spirit that has absorbed a new range of learnings. And it offers the question: If I want to change direction, if I know that my best self requires a different path, who do I need to be, to create that new path?

The power of being fully present and embracing what is

Because I had no expectation of what was to come, or what I expected to see, do or feel, I was completely available to the experience. I allowed myself to be fully immersed in the flow of discovery and the unfolding story. When we are fully open to what is, experiences become available to us that would otherwise be missed. When we have no expectation of how things will show up, what does show up is magical. New ways of thinking, of observing and being totally in tune with self.

Be creatively curious

How are you being creative with what is available to you right now? Finding ways to immerse yourself in creative self-expression is vital to de-stressing and connecting with our zest for life. Whether it’s walking or driving a different route home from work, investing in a new hobby, or connecting with new and old friends face-to-face rather than online, understanding our personal preferences for creativity helps open us up to possibilities.

Pause and reflect

We live such hectic lives, proudly wearing our ‘busy’ as a badge of accomplishment. And in the process we have lost our connection to ourselves, to what is important, and what is essential for our continued wellness – emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. We need to feed ourselves with peace, with space and quiet reflection. Take time to just stop and be aware of nothing more than our heart beat. Tuning in, going within. Allowing. Taking time, or just a moment, to reflect on where we’ve come and yes, where we’d like to go. A moment to just BE.

As I travelled that darkened theatrescape, I admit I felt frustrated and lost, and like Hansel & Gretel, wished I had a trail of breadcrumbs to follow. My logical mind wanted certainty, not confusion. Direction, not aimless wandering and wondering. Defined progress rather than happenstance.

But in life (as in this production) you have to find and choose your own road. We don’t always have a lot of light to guide us – sometimes just a glimmer of understanding, a hint of something possible, guided by our senses, open to discovery and synchronicity. Finding the brilliance in the everyday moments.

What would your life be like, if you were to embrace this kind of living?

Not asleep, but awake. Awake to every possibility, embracing the unknown and living your Iconic Brilliance™.

Simone de Haas

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I'd love to know what strategies YOU use, when you're feeling lost, unsure or directionless? How do you find the light when you're in the dark? Let me know in the comments below.

And if you'd like to know more about how my signature program Iconic Brilliance™ supports speakers, leaders and creative entrepreneurs, check out www.simonedehaas.com for more information.

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