Theater workshops: Empathy, managing one's emotions, and communicative art - Interview with Rosa Genovese, Psychologist, Actress, Author, Theater Director - by Maria Teresa De Donato

 

Theater workshops:

Empathy, managing one's emotions, and communicative art

Interview with Rosa Genovese, Psychologist, Actress, Author, Theater Director

by Maria Teresa De Donato

 

Another very welcome guest came back to visit us today: Rosa Genovese, Actress, Author, Theater Director, Doctor in Clinical Psychology.

With her, we have already talked in the past about The World of Dreams, their origins, their symbolic meaning with which our inner experiences, our feelings, and our thoughts are expressed as if they were sensory experiences and the concepts of 'individuation' and ‘collective unconscious’. All of them were approached, therefore, from a psychological rather than an esoteric perspective.

Today, we will be still talking with Rosa, about psychology, approaching it, however, through theatrical activity and, therefore, 'fiction' and 'scenic representation'.

 

 

MTDD: Hi Rosa, and welcome again to my Virtual Cultural Salon. It is always a pleasure to have you as my guest.

RG: Thanks Maria Teresa, it's a pleasure also for me to meet you. Speaking of "fiction" I can tell you that theater is a very powerful tool that allows you to search, investigate and question the truth in human affairs and all this through fiction; in this regard, I quote the words of a great actor who recently passed away, Gigi Proietti, who expressed himself thus: “Welcome to the theater where everything is fake but nothing is false”.

 

MTDD: Rosa, for those who do not know you and have not yet had the opportunity to read our previous interview, would you like to introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself, your studies, your work, and anything else you still wish to share with our readers?

RG: Talking about oneself is not always easy, also because life does not flow on certain tracks and there are often interruptions, detours, sudden braking, accelerations, and much more. About myself, I can tell you that I have Sicilian origins; that I was born in Africa in Tripoli in Libya precisely, and that my life from a very young age took place and still takes place in the metropolitan city of Rome, the capital of Italy. As far as my studies are concerned, I have always had a passion for mathematics, philosophy, and literature; biographies in particular have always captivated me. After high school, I chose the faculty of psychology but I interrupted my studies to devote myself to what at that moment I felt preeminent in me, that is my love for acting. I studied for two years in the school of Alessandro Fersen and two years at the Experimental Center of Cinematography. This way, I was able to try my hand at Fersen's theatrical acting and psychotechnics and meet important directors and personalities from the film world in the most important film school in Italy. In that period I had the opportunity to make friends with young people who are now established producers, screenwriters, and operators at all levels in the film industry. It is, however, the theatrical expression that has predominated in me and I participated in multiple shows as an actress. Over the years, a predisposition for theatrical writing has developed in me (several of my texts were performed at the theater), and also an inclination to teach. I created a theatrical teaching method for children combined with the teaching of the Rights of the Child which resulted in the text "Pinocchio of Rights".

 

MTDD: You have joined your career as an actress and theater director and as a playwright. One of these is that of a Clinical Psychologist.

How did you come to this choice?

RG: As I mentioned after high school I chose the faculty of psychology leaving halfway through my studies to study acting; but the regret remained in me of not having completed university studies so in adulthood so as not to have regrets, I filled this void by graduating first in psychological sciences and techniques during my life with a thesis on "Philosophical Consultancy" and then specializing in Clinical psychology with a thesis on "Personality characteristics and phenomenology in Eating Disorders". After having completed an annual internship and passed the state exam, I was able to enroll in the Psychologists Association of Lazio, and currently, I am a freelance clinical psychologist.

 

MTDD: Did you find any commonalities between these two fields and if so, which ones exactly?

RG: Theater and psychology for me are two sides of the same coin. If you think about it, the theater has always narrated human events and the psychology, which has become scientific, of the analysis of human behavior. Let's not forget that psychology derives from psyché which means soul, vital breath. In this regard, I'll tell you an anecdote that happened to me a few days ago while I was on vacation in Sicily, in Syracuse, the city where I go every year and like every year I use public transport to meet various people. One of these with obvious psychiatric problems asked me the difference between the psychiatrist and the psychologist, when I told him that psyché means soul, vital breath; he replied: So you are the Doctor of the Soul? I smiled and replied: Yes! I liked this definition: Doctor of the Soul!

 

MTDD: Your passion for theater and psychology and your skills gained in both of these sectors have led you to the creation of “Theater Workshops”, as you have defined them.

How did this idea come about?

RG: My life path is closely linked to my feeling of passion for acting and interest in psychology. It was a painful but currently happy union.

 

MTDD: As a naturopath, I have a holistic view of life in general, of the human being, and health in particular. I consider the latter the result of the balance between physical body, mind, and spirit, although other factors contribute to complete the picture. Art can certainly be of support for the conservation and restoration of Health and Wellbeing.

What exactly do these “Theater Workshops” consist of and what practical help can they give to the participants?

RG: These are individual and group diction and acting lessons. The help that comes to the participants is to focus attention on their body, breathing, vocal emission, and intonation. When one pays attention to the body, one inevitably also confronts oneself with one's communication skills, with one's emotions and feelings, especially those that cannot be expressed. In reality, starting from a lesson in theatrical acting technique, one comes to confront oneself and to deepen the knowledge of one's acting and “feeling”. One could speak of "emotional literacy". Not all people know how to name their emotions and feelings. There is a very important line of thought that speaks of "Emotional Intelligence" highlighted so well by Daniel Goleman in his writings.

 

MTDD: Would you like to tell us briefly?

RG: Daniel Goleman is an American psychologist who came to international prominence with the book "Emotional Intelligence". In 1995 this author highlighted how intelligence evaluated with the classic IQ emphasized people's logical and rational abilities but neglected a whole other no less important, but a little valued part, that of emotions. He called this area Emotional Intelligence which consists of the ability to understand one's own and others' emotions and feelings; in the capacity for empathy and self-control with respect, for example, to emotions such as anger or fear; but also in the ability to self-determine and persevere in one's goals despite frustrations. In short, Goleman stated and highlighted that feelings matter as much as rational thought, if not more, recalling that emotions tend to be impulses to act and, therefore, have a very important role in people's lives and decisions. The root of the word emotion derives, in fact, from the Latin verb "moveo" which means "to move" with the addition of the prefix "e" (movement from) and indicates that every emotion is precisely a tendency to act. In summary, for the psychological well-being of people, it is necessary to find a balance between abstract thought and emotion-action. Basically, in my theater workshops, I try to work on this aspect: that of emotional intelligence.

 

MTDD: Very interesting. An aspect certainly worthy of being explored. In these courses of yours, by your admission, you are inspired by the "Principle of emergent properties".

Would you like to explain to our readers what it is and how you apply it?

RG: “The whole is more than the sum of its parts”. I can give you an example, let's consider a married couple that we will call Maria and Giovanni, Maria has one personality and John another with different stories at a certain point they become a "couple"; here is that couple that is formed is no longer Mary or John but is something more and different: it is a "third" who is not a simple sum of Mary and John but is something more and unique. If Maria were married to Stefano, that extra part would be different from that born in a couple of Maria with Giovanni. In theatrical workshops that unique and extra part is given by artistic expression and by how much the subject manages to express his or her authenticity through acting in interaction with others.

 

MTDD: What results – in terms of growth, maturation, and personal development – did you notice in the participants of your Theater Workshops?

RG: The workshops that I carry out in my "Theater, Art and Psychology Studio" have given me great satisfaction. I have seen insecure, shy people, open up and listen to themselves and others. All this has brought psycho-physical benefits in their daily life. Furthermore, let us not forget that in these workshops the playful aspect is fundamental. I use among others the technique of dr. Madan Kataria of Laughter Yoga and the role exchange technique. In reality, this "physical space" in which the workshop takes place is a space of creative expression and this brings a lot of freedom and joy to the participants.

 

MTDD: "Role exchange", therefore 'empathy' and the ability to 'manage one's emotions' are fundamental concepts for living a healthy and balanced life not only with oneself but also with others. However, it seems that there are relatively few people who can put them into practice.

In your opinion, what is the main reason for this lack or inability to 'identify with the other'?

RG: Role-swapping helps to do just that, to start seeing and "feeling" the same situation from another perspective, that is, putting yourself in the "shoes" of others. This does not mean sharing the same ideas but it means understanding the other perspective and, therefore, if you understand it you respect it. The lack of empathy comes from our Ego. We live in a society with a cult of individualism and narcissism. We are all more or less self-centered. Everything revolves around the ego. It is as if we were the Center of the Universe but we have known for a long time now that the Universe is immense and that we are only a tiny dot, perhaps we should remember it more often.

 

MTDD: We most certainly should. Thank you, Rosa, for having accepted my invitation again and been here with us today.

How can those who wish to have more information about your Theater Workshops or your Online Consultations as a Psychologist?

RG: Thanks to you Maria Teresa for the questions that lead to in-depth and non-trivial reflections. It is easy to reach me through my website or by sending a message on WhatsApp or on my FB page to make an appointment. Recently, due to the pandemic, I have encouraged online psychological counseling, both to reach physically distant people and to avoid contagion of the virus. Maybe we haven't talked about it enough but in addition to my theatrical workshops, I work as a freelance clinical psychologist. I mainly deal with existential problems, couple problems, separation, and divorces above all to protect minors from psychologically disabling situations. We know that prevention is better than cure. My field as a clinical psychologist is also that of counseling in which a person can contact me both for a simple consultation and for a clarification process about doubts, choices to which sooner or later we are all called. The help of an expert psychologist can help a lot in unraveling the "tangle of thoughts" and listening to one's emotions and being in contact with one's inner self to achieve a better psycho-physical balance and well-being in everyday life.

My website is www.rosagenovese.com

Cell. +39 3488997582 (WhatsApp)

https://www.facebook.com/Rosa-Genovese

Laboratori Teatrali: Empatia, gestione delle proprie emozioni e arte comunicativa - Intervista a Rosa Genovese, Psicologa, Attrice, Autrice, Regista teatrale - di Maria Teresa De Donato

 

Laboratori Teatrali:

Empatia, gestione delle proprie emozioni e arte comunicativa

Intervista a Rosa Genovese, Psicologa, Attrice, Autrice, Regista teatrale

di Maria Teresa De Donato

 

Un’altra graditissima ospite è tornata a trovarci oggi: Rosa Genovese, Attrice, Autrice, Regista Teatrale. Dottoressa in Psicologia Clinica.

Con lei abbiamo già parlato in passato de Il Mondo dei Sogni , delle loro origini, del loro significato simbolico con cui le nostre esperienze interiori, i nostri sentimenti e i nostri pensieri vengono espressi come fossero esperienze sensoriali e dei concetti di ‘individuazione’ ed ‘incoscio collettivo’. Il tutto affrontato, quindi, da un’ottica psicologica e non esoterica.

Oggi, con Rosa, parleremo sempre di psicologia, approcciandola, però, attraverso l’attività teatrale e, quindi, la ‘finzione’ e la ‘rappresentazione scenica’.

 

 

MTDD: Ciao Rosa e benvenuta nuovamente nel mio Salotto Culturale Virtuale. È sempre un piacere averti mia ospite

RG: Grazie Maria Teresa, anche per me è un piacere incontrarti. A proposito di “finzione” posso dirti che il teatro è uno strumento potentissimo che permette di cercare, di  indagare e di interrogarsi sulla verità nelle umane vicende e tutto questo attraverso la finzione; a questo proposito cito le parole di un grande attore recentemente scomparso, Gigi Proietti che così si esprimeva: “Benvenuti a Teatro dove tutto è finto ma niente è falso”.

 

MTDD: Rosa, per chi non ti conoscesse e non avesse avuto ancora la possibilità di leggere la nostra precedente intervista, vorresti presentarti e parlarci un po’ di te, dei tuoi studi, del tuo lavoro e di quant’altro ancora vorrai condividere con i nostri lettori?

RG: Raccontarsi non sempre è semplice, anche perché la vita non scorre su binari certi e spesso ci sono interruzioni, deviazioni, brusche frenate, accelerazioni e tanto altro. Di me posso dirti che ho origini siciliane che sono nata in Africa a Tripoli in Libia precisamente e che la mia vita fin da giovanissima si è svolta e si svolge tutt’ora nella città metropolitana di Roma, capitale d’Italia. Per quello che riguarda i miei studi ho sempre avuto passione per la matematica, la filosofia  e la letteratura; in particolare le biografie mi hanno sempre avvinto. Dopo il liceo scientifico scelsi la facoltà di psicologia ma interruppi gli studi per dedicarmi a ciò che in quel momento sentivo preminente in me l’Amore per la recitazione. Ho studiato due anni nella scuola di Alessandro Fersen e due anni al Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. Ho potuto così cimentarmi sia con la recitazione teatrale e la psicotecnica di Fersen ed incontrare importanti registi e personaggi del mondo del cinema nella scuola cinematografica più importante d’Italia. Ho avuto modo in quel periodo di stringere amicizia con giovani che ora sono affermati produttori, sceneggiatori, e operatori a tutti I livelli nel campo cinematografico. Ma è l’espressione teatrale che ha predominate in me attraverso la partecipazione a molteplici spettacoli in qualità di attrice. Nel Corso degli anni si è sviluppata in me una predisposizione alla scrittura teatrale, (diversi i miei testi rappresentati), ed anche una inclinazione all’insegnamento. Ho realizzato un metodo di didattica teatrale per bambini unita all’insegnamento dei Diritti dell’Infanzia che si è concretizzata nel testo “Pinocchio dei Diritti”.

 

MTDD: Alla tua carriera di attrice e regista teatrale e di drammaturga ne hai affiancate altre. Una di queste è quella di Psicologa Clinica.

Come sei approdata a questa scelta?

RG: Come ti accennavo dopo il liceo scelsi la facoltà di psicologia lasciando a metà gli studi per studiare recitazione; ma era rimasto in me il rammarico di non aver completato gli studi universitari così in età adulta per non avere rimpianti colmai questo vuoto laureandomi dapprima in Scienze e tecniche psicologiche nell’arco di vita con una tesi su “La Consulenza filosofica” e poi specializzandomi in Psicologia clinica con una tesi su “Caratteristiche di personalità e fenomenologia nei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare”. Dopo aver effettuato un tirocinio annuale e un esame di Stato mi sono potuta iscrivere all’Ordine degli psicologi del Lazio ed attualmente svolgo la libera professione come psicologa clinica.

 

Hai trovato delle comunanze tra questi due indirizzi e se sì, quali esattamente?

RG: Teatro e psicologia per me sono due facce della stessa medaglia. Se ci pensi il teatro da sempre narra delle vicende umane e la psicologia, diventata scientifica, dell’analisi del comportamento umano. Non dimentichiamo che psicologia deriva da psyché che significa anima, soffio vitale. A questo proposito ti racconto un aneddoto che mi è capitato qualche giorno fa mentre ero in vacanza in Sicilia, a Siracusa città dove mi reco ogni anno e come ogni anno utilizzo I mezzi pubblici incontrando varie persone. Una di queste con evidenti problemi psichiatrici mi ha chiesto la differenza tra lo psichiatra e lo psicologo, quando gli ho detto che psyché significa anima, soffio vitale; mi ha risposto: Allora lei è il dottore dell’Anima? Io sorridendo ho risposto: Sì! Mi piaceva questa definizione: Dottore dell’Anima!

 

MTDD: La tua passione per il teatro e per la psicologia e le tue competenze maturate in entrambi questi settori ti hanno portata alla creazione di “Laboratori Teatrali”, come tu stessa li hai definiti.

Come è maturata questa idea?

RG: Il mio percorso di vita è strettamente legato al mio sentire passione per la recitazione e interesse per la psicologia è stata un’ unione sofferta ma attualmente felice.

 

MTDD: Come Naturopata, ho una veduta olistica della Vita in generale, dell’Essere umano e della Salute in particolare. Considero quest’ultima il risultato dell’equilibrio tra corpo fisico, mente e spirito, pur essendoci anche altri fattori che contribuiscono a completare il quadro.  L’Arte può essere certamente di supporto per la conservazione ed il ripristino di Salute e Benessere.

In cosa consistono esattamente questi tuoi “Laboratori Teatrali” e quale aiuto pratico possono dare ai partecipanti?

RG: Si tratta di lezioni di dizione e recitazione individuali e di gruppo. L’aiuto che deriva ai partecipanti è quello di focalizzare l’attenzione sul proprio corpo, sulla respirazione, sull’emissione vocale e sull’intonazione. Quando si pone attenzione al corpo inevitabilemente ci si confronta anche con la propria capacità comunicativa, con le proprie emozioni e sentimenti soprattutto quelli che non si riescono ad esprimere. In realtà a partire da una lezione di tecnica di recitazione teatrale si arriva a confrontarsi con se stessi e ad approfondire la conoscenza del proprio agire e “sentire”. Si potrebbe parlare di “alfabetizzazione emozionale”. Non tutte le persone sanno dare un nome alle proprie emozioni e sentimenti. C’è un filone di pensiero molto importante che parla di “Intelligenza emotiva” messa tanto bene in evidenza da Daniel Goleman nei suoi scritti.

 

MTDD: Vorresti parlarcene brevemente?

RG: Daniel Goleman è uno psicologo statunitense venuto alla ribalta internazionale con il libro “Intelligenza emotiva”. L’autore nel 1995 mise in evidenza come l’intelligenza valutata con il classico Q.I. (Quoziente intellettivo) metteva in risalto le capacità logico razionali delle persone ma trascurava tutta un’altra parte non meno importante, ma poco valorizzata, quella delle emozioni. Chiamò questo ambito Intelligenza emotiva che consiste nella capacità di comprendere le proprie e altrui emozioni e sentimenti; nella capacità di empatia ed autocontrollo rispetto ad esempio ad emozioni come la rabbia o la paura; ma anche nella capacità di autodeteminarsi e perseverare nei propri obiettivi nonostante le frustrazioni. In breve Goleman ha dichiarato e messo in evidenza che i sentimenti contano quanto il pensiero razionale, se non di più, ricordando che le emozioni sono tendenzialmente impulsi ad agire e che quindi hanno un ruolo importantissimo nella vita e nelle decisioni delle persone. La radice della parola emozione deriva, infatti, dal verbo latino “moveo” che significa “muovere” con l’aggiunta del prefisso “e” (movimento da) ed indica che ogni emozione è appunto una tendenza ad agire. In sintesi per il benessere psicologico delle persone è necessario trovare un equilibrio tra pensiero astratto ed emozione-azione. In sostanza nei miei laboratori teatrali cerco di lavorare proprio su questo aspetto: quello dell’intelligenza emotiva.

 

MTDD: Molto interessante. Un aspetto sicuramente degno di essere approfondito. In questi tuoi corsi, per tua stessa ammissione, ti ispiri al "Principio delle proprietà emergenti”.

Vorresti spiegare ai nostri lettori di cosa si tratta e come lo applichi?

RG: “Il tutto è più della somma delle parti”. Posso farti un esempio, consideriamo una coppia di coniugi che chiameremo Maria e Giovanni, Maria ha una personalità e Giovanni un’altra con storie diverse ad un certo punto diventano “coppia”; ecco quella coppia che si forma non è più Maria o Giovanni ma è qualcosa di più e di diverso: è un “terzo” che non è semplice somma di Maria e Giovanni ma è qualcosa di più e di unico. Se Maria fosse sposata con Stefano, quella parte in più sarebbe diversa da quella nata nella coppia di Maria con Giovanni. Nei laboratori teatrali quella parte unica ed in più è data dall’ espressione artistica e da quanto il soggetto riesce ad esprimere la propria autenticità attraverso la recitazione nell’interazione con gli altri.

 

MTDD: Quali risultati – a livello di crescita, maturazione e sviluppo personale – hai potuto notare nei partecipanti ai tuoi Laboratori Teatrali?

RG: I miei laboratori che svolgo nel mio “Studio di Teatro Arte e Psicologia” mi hanno dato molte soddisfazioni. Ho visto persone incerte, timide, aprirsi e mettersi in ascolto di se stesse e degli altri Tutto ciò ha apportato benefici psico-fisici nella loro vita quotidiana. Non dimentichiamo, inoltre, che in questi laboratori l’aspetto ludico è fondamentale. Utilizzo tra le altre la tecnica del dott. Madan Kataria dello Yoga della risata e la tecnica dello scambio di ruolo. In realtà questo “spazio fisico” in cui avviene il laboratorio è uno spazio di espressione creativa e questo apporta molta libertà e gioia nei partecipanti.

 

MTDD: “Scambio di ruolo”, quindi ‘empatia’ e capacità di ‘gestire le proprie emozioni’ sono concetti fondamentali per vivere una vita sana ed equilibrata non solo con se stessi, ma anche con gli altri. Tuttavia, sembra che in realtà ci siano relativamente poche le persone in grado di metterle in pratica.

Secondo te, qual è il motivo principale di questa carenza o incapacità di ‘immedesimarsi nell’altro’?

RG: Lo scambio di ruolo aiuta proprio in questo. Ci consente, infatti, di iniziare a vedere e a  'sentire' da un’altra prospettiva una stessa situazione, ossia a metterci nei 'panni' degli altri. Questo non significa condividere le stesse idee, ma piuttosto comprendere l’altra prospettiva e dunque se la si comprende la si rispetta anche. La carenza di empatia deriva dal nostro Ego. Viviamo in una società con il culto dell’individualismo e del narcisismo. Siamo tutti più o meno egocentrici. Tutto ruota intorno all’Io. E’ come se fossimo il Centro dell’Universo, ma sappiamo da tanto ormai che l’Universo è immenso e che noi siamo solo un minuscolo puntino. Forse dovremmo rammentarlo più spesso.

 

MTDD: Dovremmo farlo certamente. Grazie Rosa, per aver accettato di nuovo il mio invito ed essere stata qui con noi oggi.

Coloro che desiderassero avere maggiori informazioni sui tuoi Laboratori Teatrali o sulle tue Consulenze Online come Psicologa in che modo possono contattarti?

RG: Grazie a te Maria Teresa per le domande che spingono a riflessioni approfondite e non banali. E’ semplice contattarmi attraverso il mio sito oppure mandando un messaggio su WhatsApp o sulla mia pagina fb per prendere un appuntamento. Recentemente a causa della pandemia ho incentivato le consulenze psicologiche on line,  sia per raggiungere persone fisicamente distanti, sia per evitare contagi del virus. Forse  non ne abbiamo parlato a sufficienza, ma oltre ai miei laboratori teatrali svolgo la libera professione come psicologa clinica. Mi occupo soprattutto di problemi esistenziali, problematiche di coppia, separazioni e divorzi soprattutto per proteggere i minori da situazioni psicologicamente invalidanti. Si sa che prevenire è meglio che curare. Il mio ambito di psicologa clinica è anche quello del counselling: una persona può contattarmi sia per una semplice consulenza sia per un percorso di chiarimento in riferimento a dubbi, scelte alle quali prima o poi tutti siamo chiamati. L'aiuto di un esperto psicologo può aiutare molto nel districare la 'matassa dei pensieri' imparando a prestare ascolto alle proprie emozioni e a mettersi in contatto con la propria interiorità per raggiungere un miglior equilibrio e benessere psico-fisico nella vita di tutti i giorni.

Il mio sito è www.rosagenovese.com  

Cell. +39 3488997582 (Wats app)

https://www.facebook.com/Rosa-Genovese

 

Theaterworkshops: Empathie, Umgang mit Emotionen und kommunikative Kunst - Interview mit Rosa Genovese, Psychologin, Schauspielerin, Autorin, Theaterregisseurin - von Maria Teresa De Donato

 

Theaterworkshops:

Empathie, Umgang mit Emotionen und kommunikative Kunst

Interview mit Rosa Genovese, Psychologin, Schauspielerin, Autorin, Theaterregisseurin

von Maria Teresa De Donato

Eine weitere sehr willkommene Gästin kam heute wieder zu uns: Rosa Genovese, Schauspielerin, Autorin, Theaterdirektorin. Doktorin in Klinischer Psychologie.

Wir haben bereits in der Vergangenheit mit ihr über Die Welt der Träume, ihren Ursprung, ihre symbolische Bedeutung gesprochen, mit der unsere inneren Erfahrungen, unsere Gefühle und unsere Gedanken wie Sinneserfahrungen und die Konzepte von 'Individuation' und 'kollektiven Unbewusst' ausgedrückt werden. Alle näherten sich daher eher aus einer psychologischen und nicht als aus einer esoterischen Perspektive.

Wir werden heute mit Rosa immer über Psychologie sprechen, uns ihr aber durch theatralische Aktivitäten und damit “Fiktion” und “szenische Darstellung” nähern.

 

 

MTDD: Hallo Rosa und willkommen wieder in meinem virtuellen u. kulturellen Salon. Es ist immer eine Freude, Dich als meine Gästin zu haben.

RG: Danke Maria Teresa, es freut mich auch, dich wieder zu treffen. Apropos “Fiktion”: Ich kann Euch sagen, dass Theater ein sehr mächtiges Werkzeug ist, das es Euch ermöglicht, die Wahrheit in menschlichen Angelegenheiten zu suchen, zu untersuchen und zu hinterfragen, und all dies durch Fiktion; In diesem Zusammenhang zitiere ich die Worte eines großen, kürzlich verstorbenen Schauspielers, Gigi Proietti, der sich so ausdrückte: “Willkommen im Theater, wo alles gefälscht aber nichts unwahr ist”.

 

MTDD: Rosa, für diejenigen, die Dich nicht kennen und noch nicht die Gelegenheit hatten, unser vorheriges Interview zu lesen, möchtest Du Dich vorstellen und uns ein wenig über Dich, Dein Studium, Deine Arbeit und alles andere erzählen, was Du noch mit unseren Lesern teilen möchtest?

RG: Über sich selbst zu sprechen ist nicht immer einfach, auch weil das Leben auf bestimmten Strecken nicht fließt und es oft zu Unterbrechungen, Umwegen, plötzlichen Bremsungen, Beschleunigungen und vielem mehr kommt. Zu meiner Person kann ich sagen, dass ich sizilianische Wurzeln habe, genau in Afrika in Tripolis in Libyen geboren wurde und dass mein Leben schon als kleines Mädchen in der Metropole Rom, der Hauptstadt Italiens, stattfand und spielt. Was mein Studium angeht, habe ich mich schon immer für Mathematik, Philosophie und Literatur interessiert; vor allem Biografien haben mich schon immer fasziniert. Nach dem Abitur wählte ich die Fakultät für Psychologie, unterbrach aber mein Studium, um mich der Liebe zur Schauspielerei zu widmen, die in diesem Moment in mir überragend war. Ich habe zwei Jahre in der Schule von Alessandro Fersen und zwei Jahre am Experimental Center of Cinematography studiert. Auf diese Weise konnte ich mich in Fersens Schauspiel und Psychotechnik versuchen und in der bedeutendsten Filmhochschule Italiens wichtige Regisseure und Persönlichkeiten aus der Welt des Kinos kennenlernen. In dieser Zeit hatte ich die Gelegenheit, mich mit jungen Leuten anzufreunden, die heute etablierte Produzenten, Drehbuchautoren und Operatoren auf allen Ebenen im Filmbereich sind. Aber es ist der theatralische Ausdruck, der in mir durch die Teilnahme an mehreren Shows als Schauspielerin vorherrschte. Im Laufe der Jahre hat sich in mir eine Veranlagung zum theatralischen Schreiben entwickelt (mehrere meiner dargebotenen Texte wurden im Theater aufgeführt) und auch eine Neigung zu unterrichten. Ich habe eine theatralische Lehrmethode für Kinder entwickelt, die mit der Vermittlung der Rechte des Kindes kombiniert wurde, was zu dem Text "Pinocchio der Rechte" führte.

 

MTDD: Du hast Deine Karriere als Schauspielerin und Theaterregisseurin und als Dramatikerin um andere erweitert. Eine davon ist die des Klinischen Psychologen.

Wie bist Du zu dieser Wahl gekommen?

RG: Wie ich bereits erwähnt habe, habe ich mich nach der High School für die Fakultät für Psychologie entschieden, die nach der Hälfte meines Studiums aufhörte, um Schauspiel zu studieren; aber das Bedauern blieb in mir, dass ich im Erwachsenenalter kein Universitätsstudium abgeschlossen hatte, um es nicht zu bereuen, diese Lücke füllte ich, indem ich zu Lebzeiten zunächst Psychologie und Techniken mit einer Diplomarbeit über "Philosophische Beratung" abschloss und mich dann auf klinische Studien spezialisierte Psychologie mit einer Arbeit zum Thema “Persönlichkeitsmerkmale und Phänomenologie bei Essstörungen”. Nach einem Jahrespraktikum und einem Staatsexamen konnte ich mich in den Latiumer Psychologenorden einschreiben und bin derzeit freiberuflicher klinischer Psychologe.

Hast Du Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen diesen beiden Adressen gefunden und wenn ja, welche genau?

RG: Theater und Psychologie sind für mich zwei Seiten derselben Medaille. Wenn man darüber nachdenkt, hat das Theater seit jeher menschliche Ereignisse und die wissenschaftlich gewordene Psychologie der Analyse menschlichen Verhaltens erzählt. Vergessen wir nicht, dass sich die Psychologie von Psyché ableitet, was Seele, vitaler Atem bedeutet. In diesem Zusammenhang erzähle ich Euch eine Anekdote, die mir vor ein paar Tagen während meines Urlaubs auf Sizilien passiert ist, in Syrakus, der Stadt, in die ich jedes Jahr fahre und wie jedes Jahr nutze ich die öffentlichen Verkehrsmittel, um verschiedene Leute zu treffen. Einer von ihnen mit offensichtlichen psychiatrischen Problemen fragte mich nach dem Unterschied zwischen dem Psychiater und dem Psychologen, als ich ihm sagte, dass psyché Seele, vitaler Atem bedeutet; er antwortete: Sie sind also der Doktor der Seele? Lächelnd antwortete ich: Ja! Ich mochte diese Definition: Doktor der Seele!

 

MTDD: Deine Leidenschaft für Theater und Psychologie und Deine in diesen beiden Bereichen erworbenen Fähigkeiten hast Du zur Gründung von “Theater-Workshops” geführt, wie Du sie selbst definiert hast.

Wie ist diese Idee entstanden?

RG: Mein Lebensweg ist mit meiner Leidenschaft für die Schauspielerei und meinem Interesse an Psychologie eng verbunden, es war eine schmerzhafte, aber derzeit glückliche Verbindung.

 

MTDD: Als Heilpraktikerin habe ich eine ganzheitliche Sicht auf das Leben im Allgemeinen, auf den Menschen und die Gesundheit im Besonderen. Letzteres halte ich für das Ergebnis des Gleichgewichts zwischen physischem Körper, Geist und Seele, obwohl es auch andere Faktoren gibt, die dazu beitragen, das Bild zu vervollständigen. Kunst kann sicherlich bei der Erhaltung und Wiederherstellung von Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden hilfreich sein.

Worin genau bestehen diese “Theater-Workshops” und welche praktische Hilfestellung können sie den Teilnehmern geben?

RG: Das sind Einzel- und Gruppendiktions- und Schauspielunterricht. Die Hilfe, die den Teilnehmern zukommt, besteht darin, die Aufmerksamkeit auf ihren Körper, ihre Atmung, ihre Stimmabgabe und ihre Intonation zu richten. Wenn man auf den Körper achtet, konfrontiert man sich unweigerlich auch mit seinen Kommunikationsfähigkeiten, mit seinen Emotionen und Gefühlen, insbesondere solchen, die man nicht ausdrücken kann. In Wirklichkeit kann man sich, ausgehend von einer Unterrichtsstunde in theatralischer Schauspieltechnik, mit sich selbst auseinandersetzen und das Wissen um sein Handeln und “Gefühl” vertiefen. Man könnte von “emotionaler Bildung” sprechen. Nicht alle Menschen wissen, wie sie ihre Emotionen und Gefühle benennen sollen. Es gibt einen sehr wichtigen Gedankengang, der von "Emotionaler Intelligenz" spricht, die von Daniel Goleman in seinen Schriften so gut hervorgehoben wurde.

 

MTDD: Möchtest Du uns das kurz mitteilen?

RG: Daniel Goleman ist ein amerikanischer Psychologe, der mit dem Buch "Emotional Intelligence" zu internationaler Bekanntheit gelangte. 1995 hob dieser Autor hervor, wie die bewertete Intelligenz mit dem klassischen IQ die logischen und rationalen Fähigkeiten der Menschen betonte, aber einen ganz anderen, nicht weniger wichtigen, aber wenig geschätzten Teil der Emotionen vernachlässigte. Er nannte diesen Bereich Emotionale Intelligenz, die in der Fähigkeit besteht, die eigenen und fremden Emotionen und Gefühle zu verstehen; in der Fähigkeit zu Empathie und Selbstbeherrschung in Bezug auf beispielsweise Emotionen wie Wut oder Angst; aber auch in der Fähigkeit, trotz Frustrationen seine Ziele selbst zu bestimmen und durchzuhalten. Kurz gesagt, stellte Goleman fest und betonte, dass Gefühle genauso wichtig sind wie rationales Denken, wenn nicht sogar mehr, und erinnerte daran, dass Emotionen dazu neigen, Handlungsimpulse zu sein und daher eine sehr wichtige Rolle im Leben und in den Entscheidungen der Menschen spielen. Die Wurzel des Wortes Emotion leitet sich in der Tat vom lateinischen Verb "moveo" ab, das "sich bewegen" mit dem Zusatz "e" (Bewegung von) bedeutet und darauf hinweist, dass jede Emotion genau eine Tendenz zum Handeln ist. Zusammenfassend ist es für das psychische Wohlbefinden des Menschen notwendig, eine Balance zwischen abstraktem Denken und emotionalem Handeln zu finden. Grundsätzlich versuche ich in meinen Theaterworkshops an diesem Aspekt zu arbeiten: dem der emotionalen Intelligenz.

 

MTDD: Sehr interessant. Ein Aspekt, der es sicherlich wert ist, untersucht zu werden. In Deinen Kursen lässt Du Dich nach eigenem Bekunden vom "Prinzip der emergenten Eigenschaften" inspirieren.

Möchtest Du unseren Lesern erklären, was es ist und wie Du es anwendest?

RG: “Das Ganze ist mehr als die Summe seiner Teile”. Ich kann Euch ein Beispiel geben; nehmen wir ein Ehepaar, das wir Maria und Giovanni nennen werden. Maria hat eine Persönlichkeit und Johann eine andere mit unterschiedlichen Geschichten. An einem bestimmten Punkt werden sie ein "Paar"; hier ist das Paar, das sich bildet, nicht mehr Maria oder Johannes, sondern etwas anderes: es ist ein "Drittes", das keine einfache Summe von Maria und Johannes ist, sondern etwas mehr und Einzigartiges. Wenn Maria mit Stefano verheiratet wäre, würde sich dieser zusätzliche Teil von dem unterscheiden, der in dem Paar Maria mit Giovanni geboren wurde. In Theaterworkshops ist dieser einzigartige und zusätzliche Teil der künstlerische Ausdruck und wie sehr es dem Subjekt gelingt, seine Authentizität durch das Handeln in Interaktion mit anderen auszudrücken.

 

MTDD: Welche Ergebnisse – in Bezug auf Wachstum, Reifung und persönliche Entwicklung – hast Du bei den Teilnehmern Deiner Theaterworkshops festgestellt?

RG: Meine Workshops, die ich in meinem "Theater-, Kunst- und Psychologieatelier" durchführe, haben mir viel Freude bereitet. Ich habe unsichere, schüchterne Menschen gesehen, die sich öffnen und auf sich selbst und andere hören, all dies hat psycho-physische Vorteile in ihrem täglichen Leben gebracht. Außerdem dürfen wir nicht vergessen, dass in diesen Workshops der spielerische Aspekt von grundlegender Bedeutung ist. Ich verwende unter anderem die Technik von Dr. Madan Kataria des Lach-Yoga und der Rollentausch-Technik. In Wirklichkeit ist dieser "physische Raum", in dem der Workshop stattfindet, ein Raum des kreativen Ausdrucks und das bringt den Teilnehmern viel Freiheit und Freude.

 

MTDD: “Rollenaustausch”, also “Empathie” und die Fähigkeit, “mit seinen Emotionen umzugehen” sind grundlegende Konzepte für ein gesundes und ausgeglichenes Leben nicht nur mit sich selbst, sondern auch mit anderen. Es scheint jedoch, dass es tatsächlich relativ wenige Menschen gibt, die in der Lage sind, sie in die Praxis umzusetzen.

Was ist Deiner Meinung nach der Hauptgrund für diesen Mangel oder die Unfähigkeit, sich “mit dem anderen zu identifizieren”?

RG: Rollentausch hilft dabei, die gleiche Situation aus einer anderen Perspektive zu sehen und zu “fühlen”, sich also in die “Schuhe” anderer zu versetzen. Dies bedeutet nicht, die gleichen Ideen zu teilen, aber es bedeutet, die andere Perspektive zu verstehen und wenn Sie sie daher verstehen, respektieren Sie sie. Der Mangel an Empathie kommt von unserem Ego. Wir leben in einer Gesellschaft mit dem Kult des Individualismus und des Narzissmus. Wir sind alle mehr oder weniger egozentrisch. Alles dreht sich um das Ego. Es ist, als wir das Zentrum des Universums wären, aber wir wissen seit langem, dass das Universum immens ist und wir nur ein winziger Punkt sind, vielleicht sollten wir uns öfter daran erinnern.

 

MTDD: Wir sollten auf jeden Fall. Danke Rosa, dass Du meine Einladung wieder angenommen hast und heute hier bei uns bist.

Wie können diejenigen, die mehr Informationen zu Deinen Theaterworkshops oder Online-Konsultationen als Psychologin haben möchten?

RG: Danke an Maria Teresa für die Fragen, die zu eingehenden und nicht trivialen Überlegungen führen. Es ist einfach, mich über meine Website oder per Nachricht über WhatsApp oder auf meiner fb-Seite zu erreichen, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren. In letzter Zeit habe ich aufgrund der Pandemie eine psychologische Online-Beratung ermutigt, sowohl um physisch entfernte Menschen zu erreichen als auch um eine Ansteckung mit dem Virus zu vermeiden. Vielleicht haben wir noch nicht genug darüber gesprochen, aber neben meinen Theaterworkshops arbeite ich als freiberufliche klinische Psychologin. Ich beschäftige mich hauptsächlich mit existenziellen Problemen, Paarproblemen, Trennungen und Scheidungen vor allem um Minderjährige vor psychisch belastenden Situationen zu schützen. Wir wissen, dass Vorbeugen besser ist als Heilen. Mein Tätigkeitsfeld als Klinische Psychologin ist auch die Beratung, in der sich eine Person sowohl für eine einfache Beratung als auch für eine Klärung von Zweifeln an mich wenden kann, zu denen wir früher oder später alle aufgerufen sind. Die Hilfe eines erfahrenen Psychologen kann viel helfen, das "Gedankengewirr" zu entwirren und auf die eigenen Emotionen zu hören und in Kontakt mit dem eigenen Inneren zu kommen, um ein besseres psycho-physisches Gleichgewicht und Wohlbefinden im Alltag zu erreichen.

Meine Website ist www.rosagenovese.com

Handy +39 3488997582 (Wats-App)

https://www.facebook.com/Rosa-Genovese

 

Spirituality, Religion, and Mystic Life: The Fascinating World of Anneli - Interview with Anneli Sinkko - by Maria Teresa De Donato

 Spirituality, Religion, and Mystic Life: 

The Fascinating World of Anneli

Interview with Anneli Sinkko

by Maria Teresa De Donato

Today I am very pleased to host a dear friend and colleague author I had the privilege to work with in the past: Rev. Anneli Sinkko, M.Phil. (Retired)

Anneli is a very smart lady living a very interesting and inspiring life as we are going to discover next. She probably would summarize that by stating that she is “just an old lady” but I can assure you that nothing could be further from the truth. 

What I have always admired in Anneli is that despite being bright and highly educated, she is also a very down-to-earth and humble person – something very rare to be found nowadays.

By her admission, Anneli is mystic by nature and has experienced visions, dreams, and signs from her Lord.

That being said, I am going to welcome her and let her introduce herself.

MTDD: Hi Anneli, and welcome to my Virtual Cultural Salon. I am very happy to have you here as my guest today.

AS: Thank you Teresa - how exciting to be interviewed - I am delighted to be here.

MTDD: Anneli, why don’t you start by introducing yourself to our readers and telling us about your studies, profession, and whatever you wish to share with us?

AS: I am an old woman, 83 now, born in Finland  - living in Australia. When I was a little child I got a birthday book with statements on each birthday advising what a person born on that day should do when they grow up. In it, the reading for the 4th of January was: “carve a traveling staff from the tree of knowledge.”  So – I’ve been pursuing wisdom/knowledge most of my life. I am fascinated by the Biblical interpretations of various scholars and sometimes seeking discoveries still to be found. Languages of Hebrew and particularly koine Greek also bring new understanding to ancient texts and I love teaching what I have learned. I also love preaching because then I can see how the living word becomes flesh and changes the lives of others and I feel that I have fulfilled my calling as a minister.

MTDD: Though born in Finland, decades ago you decided to leave your homeland and emigrate to Australia. 

Can you tell us about the major challenges you met and how you were able to adjust to a new culture?

AS: The first shock was when we went to a restaurant in Melbourne and my husband ate oysters. I didn’t know he liked them - I have never been a big fan. Because I spoke English it was reasonably easy to adjust - but I also realized that Australia is a very dry continent and hot. When my daughter was just a few weeks old I had to put her in a basket in a bathroom and turn the shower on because we had a sandstorm and no air conditioner. I think I adjusted well - my first job was to be a taxi driver - one of the first female ones in Brisbane.

 

MTDD:  Spirituality and Religion have always been the center of your life. 

Let’s talk about them and the need you felt over the years to get more involved in whatever church you attended.

AS: My problem is that I am to a degree perfectionist and quite often feel sick when somebody presents an unworthy statement or message about God and his Kingdom. And it is also true what they said at the Trinity Theological College that some people love me while others hate me. So I lived most of my life in a black and white world. Perhaps it reflects Finland where winters are so dark and summers so light; also a similar duality can be found in John’s Gospel where God is totally good and evil is totally bad. I wonder why people cannot see the evil present in our world. What saddens me is that the church is seeking to adjust to the world’s parameters instead of being the Church!

MTDD: From the Lutheran Church you attended both in Finland and in Australia, as soon as you relocated there, you then became involved with the Aboriginal Inland Mission in Inala, Queensland where you were made an honorary Auntie. 

Can you tell us about that experience of yours and how you think it might have further enriched your life? 

AS: I loved my Aboriginal friends - they sent me to ministry. I also was involved with the Fijian church and it was their deep spirituality that gave me so much love all around. You see, loving one another is the most powerful commandment and the most important spiritual gift ever given to the followers of Jesus Christ.

MTDD: During the late ’70s and early ’80s, your studies led you to the Trinity Theological College and then to the University of Queensland where you graduated with Honors in the Studies of Religion.  Thanks to your academic studies, Anneli, you can read both classical Hebrew and ancient Greek, which, along with Aramaic, are the main languages used in the original Holy Scriptures (The Bible).

To what extent did those studies, as well as learning these ancient languages, help you to better understand the Scriptures, strengthen your faith, and be more effective in your Christian Ministry?

AS: The studies I was able to attend at the University of Queensland opened my eyes to see the beauty of ancient languages and the richness of the Scriptures. I was fortunate enough to have excellent loving teachers who shared my enthusiasm and encouraged me to excel. During that time I was not only a student but grew up to become a teacher.

MTDD: You have been the first Finnish female ordained as the Minister of the Word with the Uniting Church in Australia and have devoted your life to preaching the Word of God, teaching, lecturing, and helping others. 

What can you tell us about this great accomplishment and what it meant to you and your Church?

AS: The Church was very wary of me. I was the odd one out. I believed what was written in the Bible. They were amazed that I was able to achieve a Master of Philosophy degree but uncomfortable that I had my ideas of the way the church was moving towards the world and not towards the Christ crucified.

MTDD: What are some major differences that you have noticed over the years among the religious organizations/churches you have attended and how they might have affected your faith and ministry?

AS: In our church, we have many portals through which people are trying to get a glimpse of God. But what do they see? These studies lead to the world and the church is lost in the many dark corridors which promise opportunities but do not lead to the only source of life: Jesus Christ. Now that I am old I can see more clearly where we are going wrong but because I am old there is not very much I can do about it. So I pray - and pray and pray...

MTDD: You have defined yourself as a mystic.

Why? And are there any experiences you may wish to share with our readers about it?

AS: Anam Cara Books mentioned me as a ‘modern mystic’…Well, I don’t know about that - perhaps I am. Where I am - I am living in two worlds: this present world and the world where God lives. …I have experienced visions of Jesus and have exorcised demons. But then - perhaps we all should have this kind of encounter with the Divine and for some reason, we don’t. I asked my Lord why others cannot see him walking along the streets of our world and he answered to me; smiling sadly: they don’t believe in me.  Why it has to be me - I don’t know…

 

MTDD: How did you end up being a writer?

AS: I have always written; The Master’s thesis became a book - thanks to you Teresa. I would never have dreamt about writing a book. Thank you ever so much. …The other one: God is bigger than Google became a book because I was almost forced to write it - being ill for such a long time.

MTDD: In 2016 we joined our efforts, knowledge, and expertise and authored the book Hunting for The TREE of LIFE: A Spiritual Journey in the Garden Traditions I have been asked more than once who might be interested in this publication and benefit from it. So far, I have always replied that everybody can benefit from it and that the potential reader must not necessarily be a religious person but rather an individual interested in spiritual matters and open to evaluate different points of view, maybe even to question his/her own beliefs…

How would you reply to that question and why?                                     

AS: The book will benefit a serious scholar - definitely. But it also opens a new way of seeing things to a person who seeks certainty in their faith life or just security in worldly life. A long time ago I saw books that were named ‘Everyman’s Books’…… Hunting for the Tree of Life is an Every Man’s book because it gives answers to basic questions of life; ‘Does God exist?’; ‘Who is Jesus?’; ‘Why there is suffering?’  … ‘Is there Eternal life?’ - and so on.

MTDD: Symbolisms, metaphors, and alike have always intrigued me, and that’s why books such as the Bible attract me. 

Why do you think symbolisms and metaphors fascinate people and how they can help them?

AS: Quite often Jesus taught using parables. Take one, well-known about the Prodigal Son. This story teaches that God loves you no matter what you have done. If you look at the Song of Songs - well it reads like a sexy novel. But it is an allegory of the loving intimate relationship between God and Israel - and later on between Christ and the church. The basic function of the Bible is that when you study it the book itself reads you. 

MTDD: In 2017 you published God is Bigger than Google, a book with a catchy title I had the privilege to read and review. In my review, I partially stated, 

“It completely mesmerized me.

In addition to the title, which is already striking in itself ... Her message goes straight to the reader's heart and, regardless of whether we agree with her or not, we can all relate to her.”

How did you end up writing this book and how did you come up with such a title?

AS: I was sick in the hospital for 9 long weeks and 9 operations on my poor leg - and my Lord Jesus had my undivided attention. He asked me to write a book about Him and me; how I met him and how we traveled together. It was more than anything a deeply spiritual experience and from it, I learned that to find Lord Jesus perhaps we all should be placed in a need of pain and silence - how else would we seek God’s help? Perhaps this covid is not a curse but an opportunity to seek the Lord. What do I know - old woman. 

MTDD: If you could summarize your life so far… How would you describe it?

AS: An exciting journey - and haven’t finished yet.

MTDD: Anneli, it has been a pleasure meeting with you. 

We want to remind our readers that the publications we mentioned are both available on the Amazon Distribution Channels and can also be ordered at the bookstores.

How can they get in touch with you?

AS: Just Google Amazon - look for our book about Hunting the Tree of Life or my small offering: God is bigger than Google. I am also on Facebook and have sermons [or talks] on YouTube: ‘Anneli’s Place’ Thanks for having me Teresa - you are a star!