A play is much easier to maintain your personal life with

"A play is much easier to maintain your personal life with because if you're rehearsing, you're working like from 11 to 6 or 11 to 5 and you get to have your whole morning and your whole evening. When you're doing the play, you have all day." In this reflection, Maggie Gyllenhaal offers us a glimpse into the delicate balance between work and personal life, especially in the realm of performance. She contrasts the structure of rehearsing a play with the immersion required when actually performing it. Through her words, she highlights the challenge of maintaining personal balance when one's time is consumed entirely by the demands of a performance. The structure of rehearsals, which offers gaps of free time, allows for a semblance of order in one’s life, while the constant demands of performing leave little room for personal freedom.

In the ancient world, there was a recognition of the necessity of balance in life. The Greeks, who valued order in their lives, often spoke of the importance of harmony between the personal and the public. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, emphasized that a well-lived life requires not just the pursuit of virtue but also a balance between action and reflection. In the life of a philosopher or an actor, this balance was critical. The philosopher would meditate in the early hours, contemplating the mysteries of existence, but would also engage with the world in the marketplace or in dialogue. The actor, like those in ancient Greek theatre, would spend their mornings in training or reflection but engage with the public through their art. Just as Gyllenhaal speaks of the flexibility of rehearsals, the ancient thinkers understood that a life fully consumed by a singular pursuit—whether it be theatre or philosophy—would leave little room for the soul to breathe.

Consider the example of Sophocles, the great playwright of the Theban Plays. Not only did he write and perform, but he also held public office and engaged in the lives of his citizens. Sophocles' life demonstrates the ancient wisdom that while the pursuit of art—such as writing or acting—was important, it was also necessary to maintain an active and meaningful relationship with society. His ability to balance his creative life with civic duty was a testament to the idea that even in the most demanding roles, personal balance is achievable. Yet, as Gyllenhaal points out, the full commitment of performing leaves less room for these other pursuits, turning one's life into an ongoing performance where personal time is sacrificed for art.

In contrast, when actors are in rehearsal, there is space to breathe. The demands of the work are still present, but the boundaries between work and life are clearer. Just as Plato discussed the role of the philosopher in society, he also recognized the need for philosophers to engage in personal reflection—just as the actor in rehearsal can reflect on their character, allowing for a separation between work and life. This structure is key to personal well-being. In modern times, rehearsal provides a form of order, where the work is not consuming every waking hour, giving room for personal growth, connection, and rest.

In more contemporary times, we see this same struggle play out in the lives of those dedicated to their craft. Consider Leonardo da Vinci, who, though a master of many trades—painting, engineering, anatomy—knew the importance of allowing space for reflection and exploration. Da Vinci’s notebooks are filled with sketches of observations, not just of his work, but of the world around him, demonstrating that even the most devoted artist or craftsman must find time to reflect and restore the balance of their inner life. Without this, one risks losing the very passion that drives their creativity.

The wisdom embedded in Gyllenhaal's words serves as a reminder: balance is key to living a life that is both creative and fulfilling. While the demands of work—be it on the stage or in any other realm—are great, they should not be allowed to overtake the personal aspects of life that give it meaning. As we move through our own lives, we must find ways to carve out time for reflection, connection, and rest, even when the world calls us to focus on our work.

Let us then take this wisdom into our own lives. In the rush of daily responsibilities, we must remember that while dedication to one’s craft is essential, so too is the need for personal space. Whether you are an artist, a leader, or a student, it is essential to maintain a balance between your public responsibilities and the personal moments that nourish your soul. Just as Maggie Gyllenhaal describes the different rhythms of rehearsal and performance, so too must we find our own rhythm—a pace that allows for the flourishing of both work and life.