Self-Observation

Dunno about you, but I was brought up to be outgoing, athletic, and not a 'bookworm,' and, frankly, to be suspicious of others who did too much thinking.  'Self-Observation' was not even in the vocabulary of grownups in my childhood.

So, it was a very great shock at age twenty-nine, living in NYC, to attend Lee Strasberg's acting class, which consisted of 'Sense Memory,' and 'Scene Study,' to be asked to sit in a chair and "relax." Only the enormous reputation of the teacher kept me there. I learned to love what Lee called "Professional Relaxation."  The object was to deliberately relax each separate part of the body through observing which limbs and muscles needed to be let go of, sometimes by slowly and separately moving limbs, and trunk and head.  Ah, but there is more to it. While five people on stage sit apart, each on a metal, folding chair,  twenty five or more people, actors, watch your attempt. Being observed, the mere fact of being observed, cranks up even more tension to be overcome. On top of that, once the actors onstage are making progress in relaxing the major muscles, Lee encourages those onstage to explore their relaxation by making non-verbal sounds. Soon the room sounds like a zoo.

You know what happens? From only the effects of letting go of clutching muscles working overtime, many people actually sob, scream, groan, whimper, or just plain have a good cry. 

Here's the kicker, proof, that many of us are wound too tight. Without forethought, since those classes so long ago, I've made non-verbal sounds during love making. "Oh I do that! what's the big deal?" you might say. Well, good for you, but some people, me for example, had to be taught to do what should be natural.   

Sexology Class will resume tomorrow. <g>

Barry

(I oughta be paid for this stuff, ha!)