a note on props, meditation, and the theatre

Books about meditation tell of one way to focus the mind: think of a specific object. Recently, I seem to have found an application of that principle in (what was for me) an unexpected context.

In my outside of work life I sometimes participate in amateur dance concerts. At a recent rehearsal for a local school's recital, the school's director was trying to explain his dissatisfaction with my performance, and said something like: You should have a red nose.

At the time, the meaning of his words was opaque to me. But, the day of the performance another dancer brought me a red nose (with string attached) to wear during the performance.

The nose helped me play the part of someone involved in a circus or carnival. (The music was from the film 'Emilie of Montmarte" (sp?), and I apologize to the composer for not knowing his name.) If I were to try to describe it now, I'd say: I felt freer to pretend to be someone else, to play a part--though no specific part had been specified. (And, in the very indefinite suggestiveness of it all I felt there was a certain charm....)

It was especially amusing to hear the sounds (comments?) from the audience as I made my entrance with my red nose......

This also reminds me of Zimbardo's suggestion that wearing masks--being impersonalized--helps soldiers be violent....?possibly a similar process? (see, ?eg? -I need to check this reference....http://www.zimbardo.com/downloads/2003%20Evil%20Chapter.pdf