If Life Were a Play What Would You See?
A visit to an open-air theatre in Barcelona illustrates the power of watching our lives as a play, and the lessons we are learning without realising them.
Would you like to watch a play with me today?
Teatre Grec is one of my favourite haunts in Barcelona. Many have hosted music nights, concerts, and plays here. But on early Sunday mornings, it's an oasis of tranquility with the occasional jogger stopping by for a breath.
A little bit about Teatre Grec
Teatre Grec, situated in Barcelona’s Parc de Montjuïc, is an outdoor theatre that was designed and built in 1929 by architects Ramon Reventós and Nicolau Maria Rubió i Tudurí. They wanted to create one just like the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in Peloponnese.
The Greek-themed theatre has been a stage for major classical works and is the central venue for the eponymous performing arts festival held every summer.
Though it is more than 45 minutes away from home, I come here to meditate and give my imagination a jog when possible. Grec is the place where I dream up stories, reflect on chapters in my life, and ask the universe for answers.
One of the stories that always comes to mind is my own. When thoughts have spiralled out of control or my creativity has slumped, I have sat down here and imagined looking down at myself from above as a soul - watching my life as a play in full swing.
How was the play?
Firstly, there were no lines to remember. Call it improvisational theatre, if you will. There were plenty of actors yet no coordination between the scenes and no determined plot. The outfits were of our choice too. There was full, free creative reign and all I had to do was find ways and means of shaping my future.
I saw how many people were watching as I fought to control my emotions before they took control of me. I observed how many were crying when I did, and those who laughed with and at me. I felt my jaws clench when seeing how many people I’d lose on the path I had chosen. And I felt the embrace of love that surrounded me from all angles and in every form.
I was stunned by what happened in some scenes while watching from above. Certain actors warmed my heart, while others blew it to smithereens. There were moments of doubt and fear but I seemed to skillfully navigate them.
The play of my life was spread over different countries and had background music with bits of the tabla, sitar, Spanish guitar, and darbouka hinting at the cultural influences in my life.
Their soulful notes replicated my highs and lows, and the drums accompanied the rhythm of my fears and pounding heart at times. As a spectator, it seemed as if the combination of sounds was playing a “catch me if you can” with everyone I had in my life. This life appeared to be slipping away like fine grains of beach sand through my hands.
My thoughts raced to 'No no, why are you choosing this over that? And why are you allowing this, Raksha? What about how you feel? You'll have to say no at some point. Better do it sooner than later'.
Yet, a spectator is not an actor and cannot say a word or interfere with the play. So every time I watch, I learn and I become intrigued by that girl. Sometimes, in the middle of the play, I see her smiling up at the sky and winking "I may not be 100% sure but I can't go ahead with regrets. I’m learning to be happy with my decisions and confident that I have a choice. I trust in the universe and in my own power as part of creation. That's the only way to find yourself and live fully. I am the director here".
When I blink, Teatre Grec is empty. The play is wiped from the stage, and there is no trace of the colours, music, and audience. Strangely enough, my heart is full.
Watching this play in action has calmed me down each time by reminding me that:
Strength of character is in the tiny moments, when no one is looking.
Not all choices will result in the good so be sure to choose differently next time.
Observation without interference is powerful for understanding a sequence
Reflection can calm fears and make you aware of behaviour and consequences.
Hope and faith are like a flute playing in the background. Sometimes you have to tune in to hear them.
Your turn: If your life were a play you could watch at Teatre Grec, how would it unfold? What would this play teach and show you? Would you watch it (with fondness or regret?)