Yesterday, a well-known actor followed me on Xiaohongshu. This person seems to be someone engaged in self-cultivation. Reflecting on this, I realized how performing arts, like acting, can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement.

Acting: A Journey from Belief to Action

Great actors possess a remarkable sense of belief. They truly embody their characters, making the audience feel as if the roles are alive. This process operates on three interconnected levels: spirit (神), energy (气), and essence (精).

• Spirit represents belief—the mental framework that shapes how actors perceive their characters.
• Energy refers to the feelings and vitality that arise as actors embody their roles.
• Essence involves the physical actions and mannerisms the audience sees on stage or screen.

When an actor fully believes they are the character, their spirit initiates a flow of energy. This energy becomes concentrated and aligns with the character’s emotions, behaviors, and presence. Eventually, this process manifests in the physical world, bringing the character to life.

Conversely, the transformation can also start from the physical (essence) level. Wearing a costume, stepping into a set, or interacting with a character’s environment can evoke the feelings and energy needed for immersion. This energy then influences the actor’s belief, creating a feedback loop that strengthens their performance.

Absorbing Energy Through Roles

Roles shape actors as much as actors shape roles. Positive characters—those representing love, responsibility, and selflessness—can impart uplifting energy. However, darker roles, such as villains, may bring about negative energy.

Only highly disciplined practitioners, with a deep sense of compassion and detachment, can handle both positive and negative energies equally. For them, any emotion is simply a tool—passing through without leaving a trace. While this level of mastery is rare among actors, it underscores the importance of choosing roles wisely.

The Tea Ceremony: A Parallel Practice

The principles of acting resonate with tea ceremony practice. When we enter a tea room, we consciously choose to embody a better version of ourselves. We imagine this ideal self—its state, emotions, and actions—on a spiritual level.

In the physical realm, the rituals, movements, and etiquette of the tea ceremony stimulate positive energy. This energy flows back to influence our spirit, cultivating humility, respect, and harmony. Over time, the practice of tea ceremony becomes a journey of self-improvement, as we draw nourishment from the roles we play and grow through them.

Finding the Dao in Everyday Roles

Whether in acting, tea ceremony, or any other art or profession, self-cultivation can be found everywhere. By approaching each role with mindfulness and intention, we can transform our everyday lives into a journey of growth and discovery.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s explore the many ways we can incorporate self-cultivation into our daily lives.