🎙️ Episode Summary: Unveiling the Myth of the Starving Artist and the Power of the Nervous System

In this groundbreaking episode, we dive into the deep-rooted myth of the starving artist and explore its connection to the history of mental health. We'll unravel the mysteries of why the nervous system is so foreign to us and discuss whether nervous system work in the arts is a new frontier or if it has been intentionally suppressed.

Have you ever wondered why we haven't fully embraced our nervous systems despite artists being so connected to their bodies? Or why the education system seems to stifle our innate creativity? Picasso famously said, "All children are born artists," and a NASA study reveals that 98% of 5-year-olds are considered geniuses in imagination, a percentage that drastically drops as they grow older. We'll examine how our education system impacts our ability to imagine, stay curious, and be creative, causing profound damage.

This episode isn't just about uncovering problems; it's about sparking a revolution. We aim to redefine reality for artists, empowering them to thrive financially, change the world, and create without being shackled by the outdated stereotype of the starving artist. We'll delve into how genius and creativity have historically been linked to depression and mental illness, creating a culture of fear that hinders artists from embracing their full potential.

We'll tackle the concept of "freeze" response, an often misunderstood nervous system state, and its implications for artists. PTSD, officially recognized only in the 1980s, sheds light on why nervous system education is still lacking in many art schools. Through historical insights, we'll see how nervous system knowledge dates back centuries, yet remains underutilized in modern artistic training.

The episode will also address the dangerous stereotypes that have perpetuated the image of the melancholic genius, examining how this belief system has harmed countless artists. We'll explore the impact of cultural codes, advertising, and societal expectations on the perception of artists and their work.

By blending the arts and sciences, we aim to empower artists with knowledge about their nervous systems, debunking the myth that creativity and mental illness are inextricably linked. We'll highlight how understanding the nervous system can enhance performance, promote well-being, and foster a healthier, more empowered artistic community.

Join us as we embark on a journey to dismantle toxic paradigms, embrace a new era of artistic enlightenment, and revolutionize the way we understand creativity, mental health, and the human nervous system. The revolution begins now, and it starts with you.

Support the Show.

Join us in a profound exploration on "Muscle Music" where we delve deep into the intricacies of artists' nervous systems. This episode, brought to you by Ruby Rose Fox, features an illuminating conversation with Antonio Ocampo-Guzman, an esteemed actor, director, and professor at Northeastern University. Discover how artists navigate emotional landscapes from stage fright to self-expression through innovative somatic experiences.

Antonio recounts his transformative journey from a conservative upbringing in Colombia to becoming a designated Linklater master voice teacher and a voice for actors . The discussion ventures into the vital intersection of art and science, emphasizing the necessity of integrating body and mind to foster safe artistic practices post-COVID.

Whether you're an artist struggling to connect body and mind, a teacher seeking compassionate pedagogy, or simply a lover of profound human stories, this episode promises to enlighten, inspire, and empower.

Support the Show.

Join Ruby Rose Fox on a transformative journey through the intricacies of the nervous system in the latest episode of Muscle Music, a podcast dedicated to revolutionizing the way artists interact with their own biology. This episode delves into the common yet often misunderstood phenomenon known as the "safe and social bypass," a concept that extends the foundational principles of polyvagal theory through the innovative lens of the Fox method. Ruby shares her personal experiences and the theoretical underpinnings that illuminate how artists can become trapped in a cycle of performance addiction due to early developmental adaptations. This discussion is not just an exploration of the challenges faced by artists struggling with stage fright, depression, anxiety, and perfectionism but also offers a beacon of hope for healing and growth. Through a blend of personal narrative, theoretical exploration, and practical advice, Ruby provides a roadmap for artists to navigate their way towards a more balanced and fulfilling engagement with their art and their lives. Whether you're an artist feeling stuck in your creative endeavors or anyone interested in the profound connections between our nervous systems and our behaviors, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of understanding and nurturing our biological foundations.

Support the Show.