Going Down Under

18/3/2015

I'm about to take my show Sane New World global - I'm heading to Australia next week. I've done it many times on tour but it's always nerve wracking showing it to new people. It reminds me of in my past doing show and tell at school and hoping everyone would like what I turned up with so they'd be extra nice to me and become my friend. Maybe my whole life has been one big show and tell? That I've done everything I've done just to ensure I'd always have a playdate? Oh God, I hate when I have an epiphany like this.

Sometimes when I walk down a street, I watch people I'm passing, all zipped up in their own self-made universe; planning, worrying, scheming, hoping and fantasizing. I wonder what the reality they're carrying in those six cubic inches on top of their necks is? What TV show starring them are they watching? Whether they're deep in conversation with someone on their phone or thinking to themselves in their head, they seem completely unaware there is anything happening outside their world.

We on the outside are detritus they have to negotiate past so we don't block their route. I've never managed to lock eyes with someone who's looking at me the way I'm looking at them, someone's who's curious and thinking what I might be thinking? I really don't remember anyone looking up at me with curiosity, it's usually a look of "What the hell are you looking at, weirdo?"

This week I've been in this half foot in half foot out state of mind. I know in the scheme of things, doing my show only has meaning in my head and the few who'll see it but I can feel myself tuning inward cocooning into my thoughts going over lines, worrying, planning, hoping, fearing.... I know in the big scheme what I'm doing doesn't matter but this week I can't think outside my box, I'm locked in fear that my baby (my show) that I fertilized in my head for two years will be a still born or badly defected.

What is it I'm after? I love doing the show when it works but I like also like bike riding so what's the fear and worry and excitement all about? Maybe this is what made humans survive rather than our ape brothers? We obsess to make sure our projects not just our progeny survive, and they're just after the next banana? Who's got the better deal? Wish me luck or, even better, come to the show.

Sane New World is touring Australia March / April 2015:

Qpac Cremorne, Brisbane, 25 - 26 March 2015
Arts Centre Melbourne, 27 March - 5 April 2015
Canberra Theatre, Tues 7 April 2015
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, Wed 08 April
Arts Centre Gold Coast Paradise Showroom, Thur 09 April 2015
Seymour Centre - York Theatre, Sydney, Sat 11 April 2015

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RubyWax

12 Comments

Jane

27/3/2015 08:29:45 pm

Just finished the book. What an excellent and insightful ready. Brave, clever, funny, raw and fascinating. Go Ruby!! X

Tony Betts

29/3/2015 10:33:44 am

Really enjoyed your show at QPAC last Thursday.

The Church without God I made comment about at the end of the show is The Sunday Assembly, which was started by Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans.

Website is http://sundayassembly.com/

Hamish Murray

4/4/2015 08:28:04 pm

Ruby, you are an inspiration to me. I am devoted to removing the stigma. I am unashamedly trying to promote my memoir, which is an ebook titled "The Apron and Napoleon's Hat". It is a (hopefully) funny account of the gross life of a reluctant junior doctor, but the stronger narrative is my experience of life on both sides of the fence of mental illness, both as doctor and patient. Since I have opened up about my experiences I have lost contact with so-called 'close' friends and this is not right. I am not and will never be ashamed. I have 'come out' as a sufferer of an illness that I have not asked for and is not my fault. Hopefully my book will help remove some of the ignorance and stigma that seems so entrenched in some people, and if you ever get the chance to read it (and give it a plug) that would be fantastic. Please, please don't give up spreading your vital message and doing it with a sense of humour. After all, it is possible to laugh at the subject. I do. Regards and admiration, Dr H Murray.

Andy link

5/4/2015 03:54:18 am

Just wanted to congratulate you on all the work you do. There is a second reason for contacting you though as I'd like you to help me with a project that could make a real difference in the world. I Would value your input, thoughts, perhaps additional support.. why do I feel like a cold caller!
It not easy to get an audience with you... unless your at a show.

Cheers.

Vanessa Rebgetz

8/4/2015 11:04:53 pm

Just returned from the Gold Coast Show, ticket bought for me by a dear friend, and went as a new unadulterated viewer of Ruby ie. Knew nothing of her work other than she was 'some social commentator recovering from mental affliction of sorts'. Feel like I was part of the agitating stillness before the tsunami of a more massive following that must be coming. A brilliant, engaging collision of intelligent humour and the science of neuroplasticity. It felt like every member of the audience was bowled over by the clarity of the message delivered with the light and shade of a wit born of so-called 'craziness'. Thank you for shining an interrogation lamp on what lies in all of us so we can try to navigate to calmer waters ahead.

Liz rotherham

28/4/2015 07:35:23 am

good luck in your new venture. You will be brilliant in whatever you do. I met you once and you had me in stitches !! Here's wishing that my venture takes off!!! Keep spreading the word about mental health and congratulations on you obe . Xx

littlefooch

16/5/2015 02:18:07 am

I love your book 'Sane New World' - I have been practicing and learning how to practice mindfulness now for several years.

I also have been a regular at intense aerobics as I find it's a great path to 'open the mind' - this followed by mindfulness for me at least makes the mindfulness more effective, allows a point of refuge where the automatic well honed repetitive thinking can subside.

I don't think there's been enough press on the effectiveness of exercise - in my experience, much more effective and no doubt safer than a prescription approach.

Tony Betts

16/5/2015 03:07:48 am

Andy

16/5/2015 04:08:23 pm

Fortitude.

Hi me again .. I really do have something here.
I think it is as helpful as 8 week MBCT though more accessible.
Its not new but it is a forgotten game changer.
I would really value you input and help.

Hit me back.. Im trying to contact siegel and teasdale with this too.

Tracy

23/5/2015 08:59:46 am

wow its not just me that loses the plot !!!! u were outstanding this evening - i thank you for making me feel sane rather than insane x My dear Sister and I saw you at the Devonshire at Eastbourne- laden with water and ice cream with my FAKE Stella McCartney bag :) i really understood your wish to be a mermaid ,how free and wonderful we were as children then BANG it arrived - ADULT LIFE ! i guess we all have a story to tell - i wouldn't want to trouble you with mine but i am eternally grateful that your courageous step into studying mental health has educated myself and many others into a more positive thought regarding our reactions - i wish i had heard this structured input many years ago ,you should be extremely proud of you - my aim is to feel the same - thank you Ruby Wax you are a bloody amazing woman - looking forward to reading your book x Regards and wish you well Tracyx

Wendy

4/6/2015 08:09:31 am

Had to say another thank you for coming to Norwich tonight,you were inspirational as I knew you would be and I go to bed tonight with happy thoughts.It is such a relief to me to know you understand how I feel and that there are people out there who are 'my people'.My husband came with me for support as he has found it challenging to understand my clinical depression and how to cope with it himself,he understands more fully about the practice of mindfulness and wants to practice it himself ,together ,with me.
I had to smile when you told us about the stripey cushions,and i could relate to this as my house looks more like a florists with the amount of orchids i bought in an obsessive way when i was ill.
The new book I bought and you kindly signed for me will stay firmly in my possession and cherished and used for reference im sure often.My other copy is still doing the rounds with friends as its amazing to find out how many others need help once I started talking and sharing about my illness.I wish my boss would have come tonight,then maybe she too would understand my illness instead of being prejudice towards me because of it.
You are such a genuine,kind hearted,warm and inspirational lady.Thank you for being you,and for all you do
Wendy.

Major Depression link

7/7/2015 11:04:32 pm

Nice and inspiring post as ever !
Keep your good work to make good post brother :D

Going Down Under

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