2
pen and paper
You need this wherever you go. I keep a journal to keep myself sane, and I use a habit similar to The Artist’s Way’s “Morning Pages.” Write down ideas, thoughts, images, things you want to develop, etc. For each character I play, I create a notebook with backstories, inner monologues, and abstract ideas that I add to over time.
3
poems from memory
When I’m not working, I like to keep my mind sharp by memorizing speeches, poems, or passages that resonate with me. The last was a poem by Rudyard Kipling. “If.” Before that, it was a passage from a Taoist book about how insignificant we are in the vast universe and how we should still strive to be a better part of it.
Four
exercise
After about a decade of struggling early years as an actor and an increase in unhealthy, self-destructive habits, training has become a big part of my life again. It helps to avoid or overcome negative situations. Weight training, punching bags, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, yoga, whatever gets me from head to body.
Five
teacher
If you don’t keep learning for the rest of your life, you will stagnate. I always try to study as much as possible between work. Study with a Japanese tutor, meditation teacher, martial arts teacher, or any subject that inspires you creatively and helps you think about something differently. I studied film and theater at university, and I remember my drama teacher at the time telling me that I should never become an actor. Then I found a class at the Actors Temple and a wonderful teacher named Tom Radcliffe opened my eyes that maybe I could do this, that I could be a good actor. I was.
6
Non-Fiction
“The Quest for Human Meaning”, Bruce Lee’s “Impressive Thoughts”, “Hardcore Zen”, “The Road Not Traveled”. Right now I’m reading “Easy Riders, Raging Bulls”. I think that old books that remind us of why we do what we do on a deeper level are useful in our increasingly superficial modern Western society.
7
Japan Travel
Kyoto is one of my favorite places. I like exploring temples, getting away from technology, and walking off the beaten path. One of my favorite trails so far is Kumano Kodoan ancient pilgrimage route.
