I love this! You've inspired me to apply this idea of assuming a different persona and voice in way that goes beyond writing, to actually shift the way I speak...in particular to my husband. Ever since he began to exhibit signs of dementia, my voice has taken on a tone of anger brought on by constant frustration and exhaustion. I can't help but see him through the eyes of a wife who is grieving the loss of the man with whom she fell in love.
While listening your video the idea came to mind that maybe I need to role play, method act as you say, to adapt a new voice. If I were to slip into the persona of a paid caregiver and hold myself to the standards I'd have for a stranger talking to him - address him as one who is free from the history of what was and become more present with the reality of what is - perhaps I might retrain my brain to speak to him with more compassion. If I practice this often enough, my hope is that it will become the default way of communicating.
And in doing so, the ultimate benefit would be to free up my energy to focus more on writing...and shift into the voice that wants to get on the page.
I love this! You've inspired me to apply this idea of assuming a different persona and voice in way that goes beyond writing, to actually shift the way I speak...in particular to my husband. Ever since he began to exhibit signs of dementia, my voice has taken on a tone of anger brought on by constant frustration and exhaustion. I can't help but see him through the eyes of a wife who is grieving the loss of the man with whom she fell in love.
While listening your video the idea came to mind that maybe I need to role play, method act as you say, to adapt a new voice. If I were to slip into the persona of a paid caregiver and hold myself to the standards I'd have for a stranger talking to him - address him as one who is free from the history of what was and become more present with the reality of what is - perhaps I might retrain my brain to speak to him with more compassion. If I practice this often enough, my hope is that it will become the default way of communicating.
And in doing so, the ultimate benefit would be to free up my energy to focus more on writing...and shift into the voice that wants to get on the page.
Wow Kimberly thank you for sharing so bravely and vulnerably. I love your desire to shift your perspective around such a difficult time. 💕