K.I.S.,S.

One of the most profound things I've ever learned in my life was in my sophomore year acting class. We were learning the Stanislavsky method, which usually involves a lot of writing. Some of us weren't really getting it, even though we were writing pages and pages of character backstory. The teacher offered us this simple acronym - K.I.S.,S. - Keep It Simple, Student.

I often find my mind looking to make things more and more complex, whether it's designing a yoga class, giving someone else feedback, or telling a story. This tends to go along with the pace of the place where I live- New York City; here, we're always looking for the next new novelty. After teaching yoga classes packed with poses and varying verbiage for months, this acronym appeared on the shore of my memory.

Over the course of a week, I noticed minimalism everywhere I went: Apple ads on billboards, posture and gesture of CEOs and business leaders, acting performances in the Walking Dead, James Taylor songs, and the words of my yoga teachers.  Seeing and hearing the top people in their fields understanding what to say and what not to say, or what to gesture, and what not to gesture, brought me to the base idea that simplicity is sophisticated.

In my yoga class, we often explore what not to do before we get to what to do. My journey to simplicity has taken the same route. I've taught classes of complicated choreography with multifarious monologues only to realize the true goal had been forgotten- to be aware of the breath. In life, this is synonymous with doing something you don't enjoy for riches and fame, missing the simple delight of connecting with people you love.

This week, for homework, take time to sit and breathe. Take time to link up with your loves. Take time to K.I.S.,S.

Peace,
C