Page 19 - Classical Singer magazine Spring Issue 2020

Lamoureux as Stéphano in Opera51’s production of Romeo and Juliet, 2016
Make Time for Things that Bring You Joy
When you don’t feel regularly well, you are likely
to feel like you don’t have the time or energy to do
the bare minimum that is required of you, much less
carve out space for extra things. And on some days or
in some seasons, that will be a valid feeling that needs
to be respected. But, for the most part, it is essential to carve out space for things that bring you joy. This can be something active like biking or long walks or skydiving— or something more contemplative like reading a book, knitting, painting, or having a good chat with a friend. It needs to be something that takes you out of your head and something that allows you to immerse yourself fully in the task at hand without thinking about anything else.
For me, this meant completely rearranging my work schedule this year so that I could attend a partner acrobatics class that I love. It wasn’t convenient, and some weeks I really am too tired or my symptoms are too severe and I need to stay home. But 95 percent of the time, I’m there, and it brings me joy. Particularly since chronic health conditions are so likely to lead to mental health challenges, being intentional about doing something for yourself that brings joy helps to create healthy mental pathways that will make you better able to cope with your illness.
Listen to Your Body
Whether conscious or not, most of us rely on a fair amount of outside input that shapes what we think, do, and feel daily. This can come from online sources such as our Facebook feed, a favorite blog, or Instagram,
or through professional connections like trusted voice teachers, coaches, and mentors. Particularly in the performing arts, we’re often conditioned to care deeply about the opinions of others. When it comes to what
you experience within your own body, however, the only person who can feel what is going on is you.
You need to develop your own metric for what is an acceptable level of discomfort and trust your own intuition on when it’s time to scale back. No one can determine when it’s time to take a break but you. Keep in mind that what feels right in April might be di erent in May. It’s important to learn to trust yourself without guilt and stick to your guns.
As I continue my health journey, many days are still a struggle. Each morning when I wake up, however, I hope to live with a little more grace, acceptance, and ease. I wish you well on your journey and hope that you surround yourself with people, places, and things that o er you support and love.
Kim Lamoureux is a Massachusetts-based performer and educator. Praised for her “clarion upper range and delicate tone,” she has performed with many companies across N ew England. Lamoureux runs a vibrant private studio, is a member of the SpeakEasy Cooperative, and is a former board member of N ATS Boston. Additionally, she is an amateur acrobat, stage combat nerd, and a mom-to-be. T o learn more, visit www .kimlamoureux.com.
AMHERST EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020
~ Programs for Young Artists ~
at Connecticut College
July 5-12, 12-19
in New London, Connecticut
Dafne by Reutter 1734 Directed by Julianne Baird and Richard Stone fully staged Baroque opera
Come sing with us!
Baroque Academy Vocal Soloists
Cantatas and Oratorios by Bach, faculty Drew Minter and Nico van der Meel
Ensemble Singing Intensive
Italienische Art Directed by Michael Barrett Medieval Project with Benjamin Bagby
The music of Oswald von Wolkenstein
audition due date: April 1, 2020 more info at amherstearlymusic.org
www.csmusic.net 19