We were lucky to catch up with Luna Beltran recently and have shared our conversation below.
Luna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Embracing the Wild Side of Life and Art: Taking Risks with Gusto
Life is like a roller coaster, and art? Imagine a painter staring at a blank canvas. The white abyss before them is both terrifying and tantalizing. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, contemplating a daring leap. But, they take that first brushstroke, a leap into the unknown, and the adventure begins. This audacious step is the essence of artistry.
Artists often find their genius in risk. They aren’t afraid to break the mold, provoke thought, and redefine the norm. Think of Picasso, who gave the world Cubism, or Van Gogh, who painted the cosmos on his canvas. Their works wouldn’t exist without the daring spirit of taking risks.
Now, let’s talk about life. If you’re playing it safe every day, life can get a little monotonous, like driving a car on cruise control. It’s comfortable, but it lacks the thrill of the open road. Taking risks in life is like tearing up the itinerary and going where the wind takes you.
You might fail, stumble, or even fall flat on your face, but remember: “It’s not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up” that counts. Mistakes, errors, and missteps are your tuition in the school of life. Risks will teach you more than staying inside your comfort zone ever will.
For me life is an art, and art is your life. Be bold, be daring, be fearless. That’s how you paint your masterpiece, and that’s how you live your best life. In the grand tapestry of life, risk is the vibrant thread that adds color, depth, and intrigue. Don’t just exist; live! Remember, the masterpiece you create is not defined by the number of times you color within the lines, but by those exhilarating moments when you break free and let your spirit soar.
So, in the words of the ever-adventurous poet Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Take the road less traveled. Take the risks. Embrace the chaos. Live life with fervor, and let your art be a reflection of your fearless spirit. The world is your canvas, and you, my friend, are the artist. Now, go out there and paint your masterpiece!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
How did I dive headfirst into my industry/business/discipline/craft, you ask?
Well, it all began during a sibling showdown with my sisters Berenice and Bianca. We used to cook up these wild stories and put on our grand performances for the most discerning of audiences, our dear parents. Needless to say, we were a hit! Fast forward to the perplexing crossroads of career choices, and I found myself torn between my unwavering love for all things creative. So, I did what any sane person would do – I decided to study both writing and acting simultaneously while juggling a job.
As I meandered through the maze of academia, I began to realize that the seemingly unrelated humanities actually had more in common than I thought. Then, one fateful day, a friend from my acting adventures dragged me along to a dance audition. Let me clarify, I am no dancer, not even remotely. I was an actress, a writer, or at best, a chaotic blend of both.
So there we were, two confused souls, age 19, standing in a revered Mexican institution, nervously filling out our audition forms. My friend was trembling, and I was desperately trying to reassure her while thinking, “Hey, I’m just here to spectate. I can’t dance to save my life. At least you have some talent. Just enjoy the ride.” We were put through an excruciatingly long dance routine, followed by a rigorous physical test. Lo and behold, 15 days later, surprise! I got my very first gig, and I had absolutely no clue what I was doing.
That’s when I was thrust into the mesmerizing world of seasoned performing artists. I started attending more workshops, where I had the honor of meeting my maestro and mentor. At the ripe age of 24, I made my theatrical debut in front of an audience of over 800 people and the most important mexican theater critics and media.
Of course, right before the show, half of my face went numb, but my fellow actors, who had eons more experience, infused me with their spirit and zest. It was during this journey that I began to grasp the true essence of theater, performance, and life itself: being present with others, being there for others, right here, right now. It’s as if every second, you could lose not just your lines but life itself… or, in my case, the script.
What type of products/services/creative works you provide?
Well, after my dazzling debut in the world of theater, I merrily skipped down the dual paths of acting and writing, racking up a few shiny awards along the way. And then, the grand project of my life into the scene – “Narcos Mexico,” seasons 5 and 6. Working for Netflix was like adding a turbo boost to my artistic and personal growth, mainly because it open the Hollywood’s dazzling realm. There, I learned that an actor juggles not one, not two, but three jobs:
Exercising those acting muscles through classes and coaching.
Mastering the fine art of selling the most challenging product ever – oneself.
Nurturing your mental well-being in a world that can sometimes be more puzzling than a Rubik’s Cube on a roller coaster.
After a rollicking ride through the fifth season of “Narcos Mexico” (where, by the way, I learned more about acting on set than I would have in the fanciest acting school in the universe), guess who showed up? That pandemic! Life did a full 180, and we had to get our act together, take charge of our physical and mental health, and a couple of adieu to relationships that were as useful as a screen door on a submarine, and hit the reset button.
It was at this juncture that I decided to dive headfirst into a philosophy master’s program and started churning out texts aimed squarely at theater and music. I dove deep into the world of yoga and controlled breathing, discovering a newfound discipline through Zoom courses that helped me tame my anxiety, rein in my wild thoughts, and find an oasis of calm within the pandemic-induced chaos.
Not long after, I packed my bags and headed United States, obtaining certifications as a yoga and reiki instructor. You see, back in 2019, I began experimenting with a crazy mixed of theater exercises, breathing techniques, and yoga postures. This magical brew allowed me to whip up effective states for auditions or unlock my emotions by targeting specific energy centers.
So, I became my own mad scientist, running experiments on myself and, later, with my closest pals. This culinary delight of sensation and emotion became a fresh and inventive approach to body therapy, casting direction, and character creation. Throughout history, many maestros have tinkered with the human vessel, but this amalgamation of yoga, pranayama, and theater, well, that’s a recipe that hasn’t graced the academic books yet!
Now, in addition to applying it to my own auditions and character crafting, I use this creative flow into the coaching sessions I lead and the therapies I conduct. It’s like a performance art fusion that tickles the soul and flexes the body, all wrapped up in a package that’s as unique.
What problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, my journey as an immigrant has been like a carnival ride through an obstacle course. You see, for every pesky roadblock I’ve encountered, there’s been a wild and creative opportunity hiding behind it, like a game of peek-a-boo with destiny. And, it doesn’t hurt that there are folks out there always eager to lend a hand to those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and build their own bridges.
Now, I’m sharing this because I genuinely believe that life experiences are like a buffet of inspiration. Especially for artists and therapists who use art as their trusty compass, tackling an obstacle head-on is like saying, “Life situations, you don’t just happen TO me; you happen FOR me.” What I mean is, there’s a way to wrestle back control over how we react to the curveballs life throws our way. It’s a bit like escaping from a place where we’ve handed over all our power to circumstances or people outside of ourselves.
Sure, we can’t exactly treat life like a vending machine and get what we want with the press of a button. Stuff happens that forces us to change lanes. This perspective, though, is the secret sauce in each of my performances, my daily practices, and every sunrise I greet – it’s like an eternal game of hide and seek, sometimes more visible than others, but always lurking in the background. It’s a daily grind, a discipline that can be learned and exercised by anyone willing to give it a whirl.
I’ve teamed up with folks to help them find their inner actors, pen their stories, take their first steps in the world of performance, or simply discover themselves through these tools. Whether it’s diving into a yoga class, embarking on a meditative journey, or unlocking the art of deep breathing, it all adapts and molds itself to suit the person at hand.
But here’s the kicker – what sets me apart from the pack is that I blend seemingly unconnected disciplines into a glorious mashup with a common goal. It’s like mixing a cocktail of creativity, self-discovery, and a dash of “life happened, now what?” into one delicious concoction: a self discovered work of embracing the calm in the chaos.
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
Well, I take immense pride in knowing that this blend of techniques has helped people unleash their inner body, creative genius, and emotional maestro. We’re talking about the epic saga of transforming your energy hubs into relaxation resorts,..
And your muscles? Well, they unclench and unwind like they just discovered the joys of a hammock on a Caribbean beach. At the peak of this, that newfound sensation becomes your superhero sidekick, redirecting your energy and focus like a GPS for your soul.
Take my latest featured film performance, for instance. I whipped out my bag of tricks, and boom! My character suddenly got a brand-new way of breathing. This puff of air led to a dramatic body makeover, which, in turn, painted my actions with a very specific vibe. And then, like clockwork, the emotions and their memory files danced to the same rhythm, and from there, my voice joined the party. You see, acting isn’t just about reciting lines; it’s more like inhabiting a collection of atmospheres, being there, really there for the other person, soaking it all in with every pore, even if you’re acting across from a brick wall – it’s all part of the show.
What truly warms my heart is the idea that I can be a part of this journey for others, igniting their inspiration and pride in this extraordinary process. I’d like folks to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to self-improvement. What works wonders for one might just be a snooze-fest for another. And, to top it off, life’s like a multi-stage video game – you can only progress to certain levels at specific times. So, if you’re knee-deep in a swamp of struggle or going through a hiccup in your adventure, remember, it’s all part of the game, bebé Just like our bodies are machines in desperate need of a good ol’ realignment, and our spirits? Well, they thrive on deep breaths, a few yoga stretches, and a healthy dose of soul-searching.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe that art finds its true power in the everyday, and one of its most potent qualities has always been the art of play. It’s not just about recreating the world in a fictitious realm; it’s about using the performance mechanisms of art to transform individuals. It’s about breaking free from the clutches of a consumer-driven capitalistic mindset that encourages quick consumption and ownership. Instead, let’s focus on crafting spaces for budding artists – spaces that don’t dictate what art is or prescribe traditional techniques because those no longer encapsulate the essence of contemporary aesthetic phenomena.
The key lies in constructing a new ecosystem or system that views art as a creative tool for life itself. This means directing our attention towards childhood and fostering community spaces where questions can be asked, where we can challenge the function of what we see, hear, say, dance, discuss, and exercise. The aim is to develop a shared language, a language of the body, something that’s understood without words, something that’s read without hearing, a language that’s all about seeing. It’s all about embracing the unspoken and transcending verbal limitations.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I wish I could stack up all the books that have paved my intellectual journey, but alas, space and time are ever so limiting. If I were to narrow it down, my literary soulmates would predominantly hail from the realms of poetry and philosophy, with a stray novel or two sneaking into the mix. These are not just books; they’re my guiding stars:
“The Human Condition” by the brilliant Hannah Arendt
“How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life” by Seneca, the sage of wisdom
“The Tao Te Ching” by the venerable Lao Tzu, a master of ancient wisdom
“The Second Sex” by the indomitable Simone de Beauvoir
“Wounds of Passion” by the fiery and fearless bell hooks
“Agua Viva” by the enigmatic Clarice Lispector
“The Penelopiad” by the ever-captivating Margaret Atwood
“Half Of A Yellow Sun” by the inimitable Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
And these are just the tip of the iceberg in my treasure trove of literary companions. They’ve not only adorned my bookshelves but also left their mark on the landscape of my mind.
Contact Info:
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