How to use nervous energy as fuel
Nov 18, 2024
Can you relate to this?👇
This is a topic I post on and write about frequently and when I do it gets a lot of engagement.
Every single time.
Not because it's unique…
But because it's RELATABLE
—every singer/ performer goes through it, every singer/ performer experiences it…
The dreaded nerves before a performance. 👀
If you’re following me, I would venture to guess with a fair amount of certainty that you get it.
You’ve been there.
You find yourself before a performance feeling dread and experiencing A LOT of swirling energy.
Perhaps that swirling energy accompanies you into the performance.
When you find yourself there, you have a couple of options:
1. You can either use the energy you are experiencing as fuel, something that can feed the performance.
Something that adds to it, that even gives you a boost.
OR
2. That energy becomes a block.
Something that keeps you, that prevents you from doing your job, the thing you reeeeeeeaally want to do.
NO THANKS!
In order for it to become fuel we have to do a few things →
>>> You first have to get to know this energy.
>>> You need to sidle up to it and say, “Hey! How you doing?”
>>> You have to know it intimately.
You do this by creating awareness around the swirling energy.
Locate it in your body, name the physical sensations.
>>> Where do you feel it exactly?
>>> What does it look like.
Describe it fully.
In doing so you are in relation to the energy, distancing a bit and not being consumed by it.
❌ We then need to span out and tune into the energy in the room.
Ok, I know, I know, maybe that sounds a little too woo woo, but bear with me.
We have our "thinking" knowing…
And we have our "body" knowing…
>>> You want to be in the body knowing. <<<
Body knowing is what makes the energy in the room feel electric, it’s what connects us all.
You have experienced your “body knowing” when the hairs raise up on your arm.
When you have an inner knowing.
In order to connect to that body knowing we have to quiet the mind.
We have to tune into our inner landscape.
How?
Listen! (Say that out loud, really loudly.)
In that 2 seconds you were in body knowing. You were using one of your senses- listening for a moment and in doing so your thinking mind paused.
You were fully present.
That’s the presence we need when we are performing.
The energy that’s swirling not only within but also around doesn’t have to overtake us.
It can become fuel.
You can play with it.
You can hold it.
You can interact with it.
The energy in the room: That can be used.
You can feed off it.
Even if it’s not friendly energy. Use it.
Poke at it, engage with it and transform it by dancing with it.
Try this out at your next performance and let me know how it goes!!
Or if you’re struggling with performance anxiety, let me know what is getting in your way right now.
I’d love to hear from you!
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