Perspectives: Christine Deaver
Christine Deaver is an actor, singer, writer, director and voice-over artist. She has worked with Teatro ZinZanni for numerous years and has created and performed a plethora of unique and zany characters. Christine hosted our first RevelEleven happy hour and our Lighten Up in the New Year event!
What are you learning about yourself right now?
I have never been very good at staying still........literally or figuratively. Meditation was always an invitation to nap. Tai Chi drove me nuts because I wanted it to go faster. I had a hippy dippy movement teacher in grad school who would always say "Be Here Now". I found him to be annoying. It wasn't until I graduated and many years later did I understand or appreciate those 3 words. During this challenging time I have been forced to slow down, focus inward, let go and "Be Here Now". And surprisingly so, I'm finding the slowing down to be comforting and much needed. Zoom meditation, stretch and yoga classes have been very beneficial. I bought myself an anti-gravity outdoor recliner. Sitting in that in my backyard, listening to the water trickle in the pond while sipping sun tea in the shade is a much needed respite. Be Here Now, indeed.
What new learning/habits will you carry forward?
Better self care. Stillness. Balance. Gratitude. Oh god, gratitude! I'm gonna sound like Oprah here for a second......... but while I'm laying in bed fighting to go to sleep, because lets be honest, whose sleeping well these days, I find 10 things I'm grateful for that day. It can be as benign as "I'm grateful for lemon pound cake" but I try to end my day with a sense of gratitude. A positive.
Do you have a mantra you are living with?
"Would it help?" There are so many unknowns right now. How long will this pandemic last? When can we work again? When can we see our friends and loved ones? When can we get back to normal? What is the new normal? Etc.. Just typing those last sentences can cause anxiety. When I find myself with those thoughts and fears in my head it can easily snowball into a state of panic. When that panic ball starts rolling I tell myself "would it help"? Would it help to get all riled up? Would it help me back to employment faster? Would it help my financial state? Would it help resolve things faster? NO. It won't. So rather than add fuel to the already fearful fire, how about slow down, breathe, accept that we have no control over this and be still......dare I say be calm in the storm. I also find that while I'm sitting, placing my hand on my chest is a physical reminder to breathe slower, deeper and its comforting.
What has been your guilty pleasure during this time?
Carbs. Cheese. Carbs with cheese. I've never had more macaroni and cheese in my life! Popsicle’s. And red wine. Did I mention the cheese???
What creature comforts or elements of normal life do you miss the most?
I miss freedom! Freedom to see friends and family.......go to the theatre, a concert, a BBQ, restaurants. Oh god, a good pedicure! I miss performing in front of an audience. I MISS A PAYCHECK! There, I said it!
How do you think the Black Lives Matter protests will change our society? How is it changing you?
I feel we as a country are broken open right now. That is a good thing. Painful, difficult, but good because change and awareness can come of it. It reminds me of a quote from author and politician, Paul Wellstone. “If we don’t fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we don’t really stand for them.”