1. How does Patsy Rodenburg define Presence?
Patsy defines Presence as a jolt of energy between people, such as a shared eye contact or a moment. It's when your energy is fully connected to the world and what surrounds you, receiving energy back in return. It is pretty much a shared force of energy between yourself and the world. The only way to experience an emotion, moment, or the world completely is to be fully present. Patsy also notes that moments of complete presence are usually easily remembered and cherished. Presence is being alive, within yourself, others, and the world all at once.
2. What are some ways that Presence is lost? When do you feel a loss or weakness of presence?
Presence can be lost by urban living, or even walking around campus. When someone is surrounded by hundreds of people, it's not possible to be present with every single one. Presence is also lost when people go into the state of the First or Third Circle, as opposed to the Second. I feel a loss of presence when driving alone, walking around campus, sitting in a giant auditorium full of people, or when I am sleep-deprived--I'm too focused on imagining sleep and comfort.
3. What is First Circle? When have you experienced yourself in First Circle?
First circle is focusing your energy solely on yourself, or inside yourself. It is being too engulfed within yourself that you are unable to communicate with the outside world as well. I experience first circle when I am surrounded by possibly dangerous strangers, in an uncomfortable environment, or even when Third Circle individuals force an unwanted interaction.
4. What is Third Circle? When have you experienced yourself in Third Circle?
Third circle is focusing one's energy onto the outer world, but not individually. It is used as a means of controlling others and as power. I am actually not fond of being in Third Circle much at all. I find it necessary in business to be charming, but I still try to stress it to the individual. A major drawback on my lack of Third Circle is the fact that I do not give well presentations, because in my mind I want to communicate it specifically to each individual but that's not possible in the situation. A situation with Third Circle that I have experienced is babysitting. While I want to feel equal and connected to the children, I know that I must assume an authoritative role at times. I am so good at playing with the children, but not at ordering them around.
5. What is Second Circle? Relate a personal experience (in performance, athletics, etc) when you have been in Second Circle.
Second Circle is connecting with someone's or the world's energy. It is an equal share of energy and life. To me, it is living. It is the most powerful energy of all, and something that I can definitely never forget. When I see someone I find interesting, I always feel an enormous sense of presence when our eyes are met. My old friend always told me my eyes said a million things, even if people sometimes misread them. I will always choose to be present more than not, and people usually notice that about me. I know this question asks only for one personal experience, but I'm going to list three because I found this to be a very enlightening and helpful read on understanding my presence.
1. When I was performing my monologue last semester in front of my class, I was asked to give it 1000% the second time. My first line being, "You know what, jackass?" I channeled my energy on anger and experience. As I said the line once more, giving much more energy and effort, I felt a jolt of shock because it was just very present for me. However, that energy shocked me so much that I was thrown out of my presence right after. My luck!
2. My old friend has three dogs. One of the dogs is the youngest, but biggest of the three. Another of the dogs is the oldest, but at least three times smaller. They hate each other. The oldest dog will growl if the other dog even nears him. The oldest dog will also growl when he hears something outside, like visitors coming inside. As I spent most of one of my summer's at this house, I was there a lot. I sat next to the oldest dog a lot because he was cute and actually sweet. Whenever he would start to growl, I would stroke his fur and shh him. I would give him my calming energy and it would actually work. My friend and her family thought it was so weird, but I think that that was presence.
3. One instance, my friends and I went out to have dinner. My friend across the table kept coughing and coughing. I felt compassion. For no reason, my first instinct was to grab his hand and "send him my energy" through my eyes. He stopped coughing. I was literally shocked out of my mind, cause I didn't know exactly why I did it or why it worked. I blame presence.
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