The Understudy
I was always fascinated by the old Hollywood stories.
The legend goes that Lana Turner was discovered sitting in a malt shop and by the next day she was a star. One moment anonymous. The next moment center stage.
But another theater tradition captured my imagination even more: the understudy.
I remember attending a play with my parents. Just before the curtain rose, an announcer stepped onto the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight the starring role will be performed by the understudy."
I immediately turned to my parents.
"What does that mean?"
"I'll explain later," they whispered.
After the show they told me that an understudy is someone who learns the entire role, attends every rehearsal, studies every line, and waits. Sometimes they wait for months. Sometimes years. They are fully prepared, yet they may never step onto the stage.
My jaw dropped.
"Wait. There's somebody whose entire job is to prepare for a moment that may never come?"
Even as a child, I found that remarkable.
____________________________________
As I've grown older, it strikes me as an incredibly yogic idea.
The understudy does the work for the sake of the work.
They practice without applause.
They prepare without guarantees.
They rehearse without knowing if their moment will ever arrive.
Yoga asks much the same of us.
We breathe.
We practice.
We study.
We become a little more patient, a little more compassionate, a little more present.
And we do it without knowing exactly when life will call upon those skills.
____________________________________
I'll admit that didn't sound particularly appealing to me when I was younger. I wanted the spotlight. I wanted the reward. I wanted to know that the effort would pay off.
But over the years I've heard countless stories of musicians stepping onto the stage with no warning, actors taking over a leading role, singers and dancers rising to the occasion when someone else could not continue.
Those people always seemed special to me.
And then, a few decades later, I found myself married to a wonderful woman and becoming stepfather to two beautiful daughters.
Wouldn't you know it?
I got my chance to be the understudy.
I stepped into the role of father.
Now, admittedly, I have flubbed a few lines.
I've missed a few cues.
I've forgotten entrances and stumbled through scenes.
____________________________________
Which leads me to believe that perhaps none of us are ever fully prepared for the roles life gives us.
We simply do our best. I don’t think anyone can be fully “ready” for any “starring” role. We do the work and one day we are called to present our best efforts through all of our learned experiences.
And when our moment comes, we step forward.
We step up with our open hearts, our authentic nature, our willingness to serve, and our desire to love well.
Whether it is the band, the classroom, the office, the play, or the family, we all have roles to play.
Sometimes we are the star.
Sometimes we are the understudy.
And while the star often receives the applause, the understudy quietly makes sure the show goes on.
This past week I also performed the role of Understudy in covering a few classes for friends that are out of town. I always feel a little nervous before I teach a class, but someone else’s class? A group of people that came out to see the “star” and got me. Boy did my mind enjoy that opportunity for doubt! But, once class started - once the curtain raised, the lines came.
____________________________________
Perhaps you have been the understudy at work, covering for someone during an illness or vacation.
Perhaps you have stepped into a role within your family that you never expected to play.
Perhaps someone stepped in for you when you needed them most.
I think we all owe a standing ovation to those who quietly prepare, patiently wait, and willingly step forward when called.
Today, I find myself grateful for my brother David, my mother and father, my wife, my son, my daughters, and even myself.
All of us, in one way or another, have given the understudy a chance to step into the light.
And perhaps that is one of life's greatest lessons:
You may not know when your moment will come.
Practice anyway.
Love anyway.
Prepare anyway.
Because when the curtain rises and your name is called, the world doesn't need a perfect performance.
It simply needs you to walk onto the stage.
____________________________________
CURTAIN CALL
I would also like to give a special round of applause to one of the biggest stars in my life—my dear friend and teacher, Arun Deva. His wisdom, teachings, and friendship have deeply influenced my writing, my teaching, and my music.
────────────────────────
Danny
The Emotional Driver
“Emotion Is the Note. You Are the Song.”
