3 Reasons Why Magic is Awesome

I’ve been into magic since March 2004. Currently, I’m fairly versed in card magic. Why do I like it?

It’s an ice breaker

I’m initially shy around new people. What’s worse than one shy person? Two shy people attempting to have a gripping conversation. If you get things rolling, it shouldn’t take too much more for them to join in. You can ask them, “So, what do you like to do?”

People will remember you from it

Three years ago, I coached a sports team of 6^th graders. We had an outing one evening, and we walked to 7-Eleven. I was outside, waiting for the boys to finish buying their junk food. The majority of them were with me, so I decided to do a levitation impromptu. Now, when that group of boys sees me, they’ll bring back the memory of me doing that.

Another experience happened while I was a coach. One summer, I helped run a one-week summer camp to Mammoth. If you know me, you must know I don’t like the outdoors. I hate bugs, especially mosquitoes. So, my books and playing cards came with me. By the end of the week, all the boys knew me as the “magic man.” (Or, something like that.)

It’s a healthy drug and more entertaining than video games

I’m sure this point is debatable, but to me, doing magic to random strangers is like going bungee jumping — without the risk. Well, I should rephrase that; the risk is a bruised ego when you make a mistake. But, it’s small because you’re just having fun. Plus, the more you do it and get the amazing reactions, the more addictive it becomes.

A couple years ago, I went to the Grove (in Orange) strictly to do street magic. I had a decent-sized “crew” with me. Really, it was just a few friends and one video camera. It was nothing professional, so there weren’t any boom mics or wireless mics. Anyway, after dinner, we proceeded to walk around to look for people to amaze. The method is to find people who seem to just be hanging out and having fun, and not trying to get from point A to point B. (That’s a whole different post.)

I was doing one routine to a few people sitting at a bench, then people started to gather around, with the crowd growing to probably 30-40 people. I kid you not, I was surrounded. Blood, adrenaline and nerves were pumping and pulsating. Whoever was on camera was forced to stop by security, so they didn’t get it on tape.

Get going!

If you’re shy, magic will help you get out of your shell. If you want to be remembered, learning some sleight of hand will help immensely. If you want a lifetime of fun, learn magic and perform for others.

Thanks to my friend, James Corsini, for rekindling the fire of magic!