Actor Sara Wiseman: “Let’s not just walk on the land. Let’s walk with the land”

Thank-you for sharing a slowed down moment with me. Let me drop in properly for just a sec. Since I’m currently in your head, how are you doing? Like, for real ­- no automatic reply of “Good”.

When I get the opportunity to teach emerging actors I share with them this idea of a “Bullshitometer” that sits inside our chests. We can’t BS or lie to ourselves like we do others. We can justify or hide the lie, but we know it’s there. So, without the need to pretend to anyone, including me, how are you really doing at this moment?

If you’re great and mean it - my congratulations to you. If you’re not, my congratulations to you also because you’re being honest. No judgment here. I’ve been through the wringer. But at THIS moment as I write this, I AM GREAT. It’s been a long time since I’ve said that and not been bullshitting myself on some level. When I think of the macrocosm of the nation and my hopes and dreams for it, I have to make it more manageable and begin with the microcosm. It feels too overwhelming otherwise.

Naturalist and activist Jane Goodall said when you’re feeling overwhelmed or hopeless at how things are going with what you have no control over in society, start with what you can control. Give of yourself in a way only you can.

A bit of generous giving of yourself: it’s a marvellous thing for your family, your community, for whatever you have access to that might need some assistance or connection. For some, their influence stretches further than others but doing something avoids apathy. It makes you a contributor, not just a critic.

How is your view of Aotearoa looking? It might be polar opposite to mine. How are you receiving it? News bulletins? Talkback? Shortland Street? Your work lunchroom? Your church? Your gym? All of the above? I’m guessing if you’re like me, the bombardment of conflicting opinions and reports can be overwhelming, distressing or confusing.

What we put our focus on, we amplify. Just look at the sneaky algorithms working away on our social media platforms as a sublime example of that. We don’t even know it’s happening. Therefore it’s time for a focus shift in 2024 for me. I’m going to show you a bit of my To do list. Feel free to make your own list. I hope in my heart for you, and each and every individual Kiwi who takes committed positive steps in any small way, that those positive actions collectively manifest for all living in our incredibly precious country.

1. Set a productive and/or positive intention in the morning that is simple and easy to recall.

2. Spring-clean social media. I will delete apps that take me away from where I am in the present moment. Remove all things I might be following that are making me feel “crap” about myself or others. I can get my objective news source from a much more reliable app at a time when I want to read it.