On Wednesday this week I spent the day at a Magic Convention. It was great! There were lectures from top magicians who spoke about their thought processes in developing performances and illusions, and demonstrated some of their illusions that they’re willing for us to adopt and adapt ourselves. There were some dealers (makes it sound dodgy) who had illusions and props for sale (and I was very restrained!). There were some workshops: I went to one where I learnt about the science behind misdirection and how magic tricks are perceived by audiences, given by a professor from the School of Psychology at the University of Plymouth.
In the evening we enjoyed a lovely three course meal and then were enthralled by a gala show by the top magicians who had lectured during the day. I crawled into bed just the right side of midnight having had a wonderful day.
And the best thing? It was the conversations throughout the day with fellow-magicians. I had great conversations with some of those who, like me, are part of the Plymouth Magic Circle (website coming soon) and who travelled up to the other side of Exeter (it says ‘here be dragons’ on my satnav) to the conference. We got to know one another better, talked about our magical performances and listened to advice and ideas about those performances. I spoke to people I had never met before and had the opportunity to see and hear how they perform. It was all about the people.
It was a day well spent.
By the way (shameless plug) if you like magic, do come along to Mutley Baptist Church on 10th October (tomorrow as I write) for a show that starts at 6.30pm – Mutley Magic. See the ad here
I wonder what counts as a day well spent for you. I imagine that some, or most of you, will include elements that are all about people. We humans are created to interact with one another. We’re social animals. I know some are introverts or shy or are neurodivergent in such a way that makes this difficult, but if others interact in a way that those people find engaging then they too are blessed by being with others.
What’s the secret to this interaction (and I answer as someone who finds ‘small talk’ incredibly difficult)? I think it’s working out how we’re the cookie dough not the cookie cutter.
I will leave that thought there, cos it’s fairly obvious what I mean, isn’t it?
No?
Oh.
Well, if you have a ‘splat’ of cookie dough rolled out on a surface and use a cookie cutter on it, the cookie dough will be shaped by the cutter, not the other way around.
If, in a conversation, I am the cookie cutter I am shaping the conversation and I am imposing myself on the other person. I know I can do that (sorry). But if I allow them to be the cookie cutter then I am shaped by them. I try to do that.
In reality in a good interaction we are both for each other, but it requires a willingness from both to be the dough at times.
Be the dough!
Be blessed, be a blessing
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