Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Misha Collins: I suppose the knee-jerk reaction for a question like this would be “doing what I love” or “giving” or “my kids,” and while those are all true, they’re also a bit generic. I suppose I come most alive when I’m part of something that might wake people up into seeing the world or themselves differently or maybe helps expand our collective percep- tion of what might be possible. Also, I think it would be dishonest to leave this out . . . I think I come most alive with heavy doses of caffeine.

 

MP: If you could say something to your 16-year-old self, what would it be?

MC: Because I know my 16-year-old self pretty well, I’d probably not waste my time telling him anything. He’s remarkably stubborn and a terrible listener. I’d probably just throw him a can of deodorant or something. That would solve a lot of his issues.

 

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

MC: This is an easy one. I’d ask them for infinity wishes.

 

Oh, I think I misunderstood the question.
I thought you said something about a genie. No genie? Hmm . . . how about, “Be kind to yourself so you can be happy enough to be kind to the world.”

 

MP: How do you handle emotional pain?

MC: Well, I’ve tried lots of techniques: intoxication, denial, overworking, sleeping during the daytime . . . none of which seems to work more than temporarily. Talking to my wife helps me. My kids help. My friends are great too. The most effective tool I have when I’m alone is meditation. The great thing about meditating is that it allows you to fully feel and experience pain without identifying with it. Meditating teaches you to notice pain and then to notice that the pain is not you, it is just an experience that you are having. That’s a critical distinction and can really help separate us from spiraling into negative thoughts.

Also, punching inanimate objects can provide momentary satisfaction.