SPIRITUAL PREFERENCE℠
“People are not perfect, but they are perfectly themselves.”
-Piero Dusa
Acting is the dedicated and passionate pursuit of self-expression. The entertainment world wherein the opportunities lie to reap the rewards of that pursuit is built on a model of continual rejection. How does one repeatedly present themselves in the most intimate ways of artistic expression when they know they've been set up to fail, and how does one differentiate between the rejection of their acting and not confuse it with a rejection of themselves, as a person? This is the paradox at the core of the profession we've chosen. Many would say this is a system that promotes mediocre talents with "thick skins" that can handle rejection well and are adept at "showing up on time." Hard to argue against that thought, yet, many really talented professionals do rise to the top - how do they sustain the self-belief to get there? This is the focus of Spiritual Preference - a workshop that focuses on the student's greatest asset - the positive qualities of the inner-self. Don't let the term "spiritual" put you off, used here, it simply refers to the accumulation of one's intuition and beliefs.
Like all journeys, the actor's journey is not about perfection but about progression. This workshop is designed to assist the student in realizing and believing that a sense of "wholeness" or contentment, especially in the face of the constant "NO," can only come from one's inner-self. As one waits for that “lucky break” or phone call from their manager or agent, it’s imperative to remember to empower yourself, to continue to take initiative of your career and goals. Keep in mind that when we feel powerless, we are not helpless. The only lifetime partner a person is forced to live-with, are themselves, but if life is a constant internal struggle between desire and self-doubt, then hurt or resentment is often the habitual result. The truth of the matter is the fact that people are not kind enough to their selves and are far to ready to believe how others perceive them. But, if you can't love yourself unconditionally, who will? When you carry your love for yourself, "just the way you are," it results in inner-peace and others can feel it, sense it, even if they themselves don't know what "it" is. Spiritual Preference℠ uses the HBDI Model as well as the Preference System to help you recognize, honor and understand the positive side, not only in one’s own self, but, importantly, in others. Spiritual Preference℠ doesn't try to influence one’s beliefs, or lack thereof, in a Higher Power. This is not a religious workshop though I believe in respecting all beliefs. Instead, this workshop is geared toward those who wish to reflect on and better understand their thoughts and behavior. The artist is judged a hundred times a day in a hundred ways, that is the nature of choosing a life of artistic expression. The stories of artists that crack under this pressure are legendary - from Van Gogh to Monroe - it is within this crucible the individual must discover how to survive and even learn to thrive. Feelings of inadequacy will be magnified and exploited and it is incumbent on the artist to learn to change these thoughts and behaviors to improve their lives and enjoy their journey.
All of our choices have led us to where we are today. Everyone has a belief system that was ingrained by parents, childhood experiences and their environment. Preferences, like life, are learned. These things are part of who we are. But, just because a belief system is part of one’s past, does not mean it will continue to serve well in the future. Can people change? We know they can because we've all seen others make dramatic changes and elevate their lives to a higher place. Intuitively we recognize there are tools - knowledge and attitudes - which render us all capable of doing the same. Spiritual Preference℠ is an educational system that teaches that one’s fears do not have to rule one’s life. It demonstrates that selecting behavior that reflects a loving intention, especially in the face of negativity, is always the strongest play. This workshop does not attempt to teach how to abolish all our negative traits or tendencies, that would be humanly impossible, but, for those who feel a lack in their daily lives, that something is holding them back, preventing progress and contentment - one will learn to acknowledge their flaws. Only then can we start to break the cycle of inappropriate choices, give ourselves the opportunity to make changes, and turn the negative into a positive.
Stress in the modern world - if you could run a car on it, we'd never run out of fuel. An entire pharmaceutical industry has sprung-up just to help people cope with their worries; fear of what the future holds and resentments over past slights. It seems suddenly transparent that it is all a huge waste. LIFE HAPPENS. Looking back at events or people from a place of honesty and strength we realize we only have this moment - right now! We understand we are on a journey and are in a better place because of it. Victimization cannot be a reason to stay in the past but it is possible to move forward in the present and build from it. If you recognize this, then Spiritual Preference℠ can help you work through and overcome these obstacles.
Based on the Herrmann International Brain Dominance Model (HBDI "Model"), Spiritual Preference℠ shows how each of our "four quadrants" express love and transformation. These quadrants of Spiritual Preference use the preference model; forgiving, empathetic, emotional, etc. (RED) - understanding, knowledge, logical, etc. (BLUE) - dedicated, loyal, organized, etc. (GREEN) - and to illuminate, enlighten, artistic, etc. (YELLOW). Spiritual Preference focuses on and acknowledges one’s preference assets, hones-in on those assets, and develops them in order to improve one’s life. Our eyes show us only our own perception. Our beliefs influence that perception and sometimes blind us to what is truly there. This workshop was designed to teach the skills necessary to stop looking with our eyes and judging, but rather, looking with your inner-self and understanding.
The Spiritual Preference workshop is one of a kind and exclusively taught by Piero Dusa. If you are having a hard time keeping a positive attitude and staying true to your authentic self, in a business with constant rejection, let us guide you to maximize your creative potential at info@pierodusa.com
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