Wellness In-Sight: It’s Showtime

CINDY E. FARRAR

There is an iconic scene in the semi-autobiographical movie “All That Jazz” about dancer, choreographer, and director Bob Fosse. When Fosse’s character is about to go onstage, the camera zooms in on his face, framed by his famous “jazz hands,” and he enthusiastically says, “It’s showtime!”

In my years prior to massage, I worked in sales. On days when I found my energy low, before getting out of my sales vehicle to go into my accounts, as a way of flipping the switch to “full on” and readying for my “performance,” I would channel my inner Bob Fosse (sans jazz hands), look in my rear-view mirror, and repeat, “It’s showtime!” It worked each time as it drew from my own inner resources, accessing the energy necessary to engage authentically and successfully with my customers.

As we explored last month, how we “show up” greatly impacts the outcomes of our relating with others and our world at large. One of my favorite life quotes, and most often cited in my workshops, classes and speaking engagements, is from Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers, by schoolteacher, child psychologist, psychotherapist, and parent educator Haim G. Ginott.

I’ve come to a frightening conclusion. I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or dehumanized.

While this is directed toward teachers and parents in relation to children, if you remove those who are specifically referenced, I believe and have found the quote holds true for each of us in all our interactions.

This realization can be difficult to own. We often underestimate the influence we have whether it be intentional or otherwise. The responsibility carried by the acknowledgement of the extent of our impact can certainly be frightening, even overwhelming. However, our lack of awareness or chosen denial does not make it any less true. As I have noted, on several occasions in previous columns, it is important to stay mindful that such responsibilities also bring great opportunities.

So, as we begin to enter the season of family and social gatherings, times that can be wrought with anticipated anxiety and dread, channel your best Bob Fosse and flip the switch. Be cognizant of the potential of your effect. You may also help others remember theirs by posting a simple sign as shared in My Stroke of Insight, by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring in this space.” It’s showtime!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude and all good things.

CINDY E. FARRAR, LMT, BCTMB, CLC is a licensed massage therapist, certified life coach and the owner of Massage Associates of Atlanta, LLC (Lavista Road in Tucker). In addition, she is a certified Qi Gong instructor and a nationally approved continuing education provider for massage therapy and bodywork. Cindy enjoys sharing insights on wellness and personal and community development as a speaker and writer.