Awareness In The Hustle

Awareness In The Hustle


I’m not someone who follows astrology but I know that the traits of a Capricorn - my sign -  are very much in alignment with my personality. Google AI just confirmed after I typed in ‘Capricorn Traits’ that we are ‘hardworking, ambitious, practical, loyal, leaders, sensitive, honest, persistent, rule followers’.


In the midst of being a parent, being a husband, running my own acting studio, rehearsing a new Broadway show, and associate directing an off-broadway show (AKA over-achieving Capricorn) I recently received some very upsetting news about a friend which put my busy life into perspective for me. 


As chaotic as my schedule is, I have found myself feeling much less stressed by work recently because I am allowing myself to pay attention to the simple things in life that I usually take for granted:


My morning coffee. 

The cool air outside.

My daughter touching my face.

Technology in general.

Sleep. 

Nature. 

The feeling of taking a breath just a little deeper. 


I usually don’t allow myself the brain space to focus on those things because I’m in hustle mode. But I am remembering that I don’t have to sacrifice or compromise the hustle in order to notice the small things - I can allow both. By taking a deep breath with my morning coffee while feeling the cool air outside I am actually taking a moment to ground myself which then makes my work more focused. 


Life is precious*

*Precious: Of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly 


Life is miraculous**

**Miraculous: Highly improbable and extraordinary and bringing welcome consequences


I’m not here to add more to your plate or shame you for not appreciating what you have etc blah blah blah - we feel too much shame through our social media consumption as it is. 

I just want to offer this to you: 

You deserve to enjoy life. 

You deserve to enjoy your sip of coffee, or the feel of the bed sheets when you first get in, or your friend looking in your eyes as they listen to you telling a story. 

You deserve to enjoy LIFE.


It’s a privilege to be able to type this on my laptop, knowing that a number of people will be reading it and hopefully will find some comfort or inspiration in it.


Take a breath right now. Experience it and remember that’s all it takes to bring you back to the present moment in a scene, in a song or in life. 


Keep up the great work 


Mark 

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