|
|
JacquesDeCoeurs New user 27 Posts |
Hello friends!
I would be very interested to hear people's thoughts about what benefits magic provides outside of all of the obvious - i.e., fun hobby, performance, new friends, keeping the mind sharp and digits dexterous, potential for income, etc. For example, have any of you found yourselves using concepts learned from magic in your day-to-day lives? Misdirection during an office meeting? (Not asking for anything nefarious, per se). Entrepreneurialism? Public speaking? (More obvious, I realize) There is the story of David Copperfield confounding a would-be mugger via sleight-of-hand... You can see I'm grasping a bit. I feel sure there are other side-benefits. Would love to hear ideas and/or experiences. Cheers all! |
funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
I have an eBook on Lybrary.com filled with stories and poems about the "affect of magic" and collateral impact. (Magic Awareness)
My sig line represents that sentiment too. I has been my experience that many spectators find additional "benefits" of performance magic - supported by comments have received 30-40 years after a show. Never judge impact by immediate reaction or comment before peers. During my many decades as a small business consultant, I used magic effects in client exploration meetings to challenge their concept of the impossible. Since they did not know I was magician and did not expect anything unusual about to occur, the reaction was never "must be magic" or even "got me." So, I was able to help tens of thousands of business owners break though their conditioned myopia and accept new ideas. Most forgot that any unusual event had occurred - overjoyed with find a solution to a business problem once their mental barrier had dropped. The impact on me was profound also. My enhanced presence, empathy and intuitive abilities has served me well - even helped save lives. Even now, with hand disabilities that prevent performing, I constantly create new magic effects and sleights for others, since I can role play the performance in mind and make adjustments from imaged reactions. This keeps me creative and alive. I would suggest that if there is no "side benefit" to "pretending at magic," you are doing it wrong Not sure what "non-magic benefit" means as I can't separate the cream once homogenized. As posted previously, your performance does not end with the dropping of the curtain or "getting the check." Before you go to bed that night, ask two questions: 1) what did I learn from this performance that will make of me a better performer tomorrow? 2) what did I experience that will make of me a better person tomorrow? I have published a novel called "Two Cabins" in which two of the key characters are magicians whose experiences influence every decision they make have impact on others in a series of events. They do not "perform tricks" - just live magically in comparison with others, i.e. enhanced empathy, insight, confidence and knowledge.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
JacquesDeCoeurs New user 27 Posts |
A beautiful response, funsway - thank you!
That's exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for. I look forward to checking out that book. I seen to have turned some kind of corner where, in addition to the hobby and craft, I'm almost beginning to see magic as a philosophy. Seems you may be way ahead of me! - JdC |
funsway Inner circle old things in new ways - new things in old ways 9982 Posts |
MAGIC STRANGER
When I meet a stranger on the well traveled road -- the man who comes from where I must go; I’ll catch his eye and say, “Do you know MAGIC?” By eyes of heart I will see his tear, or flickered secret smile -- and as a wizard will know what I must do. When I meet a friend on the road less traveled by -- the gal who returns from whence I came; I’ll catch her eye and ask, “Do you KNOW magic?” By force of will I’ll catch her dream, or shatter illusions -- and as a seer reveal what she might do. When I meet an adversary on the bitter plains -- a fiend who challenges my serenity; I’ll force a smile and offer, “Do YOU know magic?” With balanced soul I’ll take his hand, touch his yearning heart -- and as an elder will share what we’re to do. When I meet my other self on a spiritual journey -- one with an alternative world-view; I’ll dance with mirth to cry, ““You DO know magic!” With open mind I’ll hover close, and cherish simple faith -- and as a student learn just what to do. When I meet most anyone whose reach exceeds his grasp – a spectator of my hands and heart; I’ll challenge his mind with, “Would thee know magic?” Together we will shred the veil, and share astonishment – and as I live so then I be and do.
"the more one pretends at magic, the more awe and wonder will be found in real life." Arnold Furst
eBooks at https://www.lybrary.com/ken-muller-m-579928.html questions at ken@eversway.com |
JacquesDeCoeurs New user 27 Posts |
I love it.
Totally get it. Thank you for sharing! |
ChrisPayne Loyal user UK 240 Posts |
I do believe that the confidence and experience gained from performing as a teenager has helped me enormously in my professional life (family doctor, national computer project and public health). Presentation skills have helped me communicate ideas, lead teams and probably given me an edge in interviews.
|
jsbosco New user Detroit, MI 64 Posts |
You covered a lot of the potential benefits in your original post. As others have noted, I would say magic taught me a lot about relating to people in non-magical contexts. It also taught me a lot in terms of problem solving and different ways of thinking.
I taught magic for several years in a summer camp setting, and always felt that there was some benefit to children practicing magic in the way they go on to think about the world and solve problems. Magicians, in my experience, are some of the most intelligent and thoughtful people I have come across. I am not a musician, but I imagine music or any hobby is efficacious in the formation of young minds. But I think magic is a particularly useful practice! |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
Fitness.
Especially with the really strenuous escape acts, like the upsidedown escapes from chains and straitjackets.
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
|
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Food for thought » » Non-magical benefits of studying magic? (4 Likes) |
[ Top of Page ] |
All content & postings Copyright © 2001-2024 Steve Brooks. All Rights Reserved. This page was created in 0.02 seconds requiring 5 database queries. |
The views and comments expressed on The Magic Café are not necessarily those of The Magic Café, Steve Brooks, or Steve Brooks Magic. > Privacy Statement < |