Magic Happens
...
The subject
of reality always comes up when discussing magic. I guess it’s because we do
live in the "real" world, and it’s important for children to learn
the difference between fantasy and reality. However, with that said, I think
that one of the really fantastic things about being a magician, is sharing in
the experience of wonder.
Science can’t explain everything,
miracles happen in the "real" world, and people are able to do amazing
things (not illusions) that seem to defy what our so called "reality"
says is impossible. Since the beginning of
time, human beings have done things that others said couldn’t be done,
stretched the limits of the imagination,
and achieved miraculous results all because they believed in the power of
the mind, body and spirit. Of course it’s important
to be "grounded" and not float around
believing in fantasy. But where do we draw the line? I struggled for many
years with making sure that kids understood that what I was doing was just
an "illusion". As I’ve matured, however, I feel a deeper perspective
is necessary. One night, at a party, a five year old girl was making a big deal
telling her dad that she knew "how it was done". He was really
disturbed, because he didn’t have a clue, and quickly said, "Oh yeah?
How?" She smiled as big as you please, and said, "It’s MAGIC,
daddy!"
Another
time, upon saying that the coins had not "really" passed through the
table, a mother, who didn’t want her little boy to miss the "magic
experience" explained, "Well, but they could have"... Just
as letting children believe in Santa or the Easter bunny, there is a place for
fantasy, and knowing how to impart reality "in the right places" and
at the "right times" is most definitely an important part of our
responsibility as adults. Amazingly, there are many times when adults ask me,
following a performance, "It’s all just illusion, right? It’s not ‘real
magic’, is it?" Real Magic. Hmmm. I find that I get a kick
out of this every time it happens. In fact, I do believe in Real Magic,
and surprisingly, it’s not what you might think. In the classroom, as well as
at the performance table, when asked, I will tell you my thoughts on "real
magic". First, it’s about an experience. Second, it’s about what
I call "impossible possibilities".
Third, and probably most importantly, it’s
about US.
Interactions between people create magical
outcomes.
Belief has a lot to do with it. I’ve spoken about that in the last
few pages.
Perception
has more to do with it than most people realize. The best
possible discussion about "real" magic begins and ends with the
awareness
of possibility. I have come to realize that so much has to do with the
way in which we experience life that determines whether we have
"magical" experiences or not. Much of the time, if you look for
miracles, they will show up. In terms of my program, being in the position of
teaching through my magic, I am continually reminded of the need to stay open to
possibilities. Ask teachers how much they learn from their students! Children so
often bring new perspectives to an old situation. My program simply opens doors
to unlimited potential and offers gentle reminders to keep the
imagination open.
When we do so, Magic Happens!
I do think there’s a reason why mystery
exists in our world. I think it’s very important that no matter
how old we get, we keep our sense of wonder. I think we will
never have "all the answers". How boring it would be if we could
"figure it all out"! Scientists have discovered that the success
or failure of certain "Superconductivity" tests has actually
been altered by the belief or disbelief of those in attendance.
I think this proves that there is a connection between the conscious and unconscious parts of
ourselves, and increases the importance of raising our awareness on a collective
level. As we step into our future, may we all be mindful of our
responsibility
to the next generation, and assist them by maintaining our own sense of awe and
wonder.
"I AM
MAGIC"
Motivated
Aware
Genuine
Imaginative
Confident
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