Impro for Life! Part 1

As you may or may not know, I am heavily involved in Improvisation. I have been doing it for many years, but it wasn't until recently that I developed my concept, “Impro For Life!”.

During one of my rehearsals, it struck me that I have spent so much time and money studying, meditating, practicing various techniques to 'get in the moment' spiritually, when I do that automatically on the stage. Why is it, I thought, that I can so easily be present and focused on the stage, but I need to work at it in real life? Now that's messed up!

It then seemed obvious that, to achieve this state of focus and clarity in everyday life, which, as Pod Member Scott said, should be effortless, not hard work, all I have to do is apply prinicples of improvisation to my real life. And bingo…. 

I cannot tell you how much easier my life is now that I do this. It has made such an unbelievable difference that I am planning on teaching a class on it in the near future. In the next couple of weeks, I will be posting some techniques that you can apply quickly and easily for yourself.

Here's Number One…

“It's Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

This is a technique in improvisation where you treat everything in life as if it is the greatest gift you've ever been given. Everything. People. Food. Work. Situations. Everything.

Try it out. If necessary, overreact to your environment for a while. Believe me, you'll be really fun to be around. See what a difference it makes in how people treat you, and how you treat others. Everyone in your life is a gift right? Even if you're not always sure they are what you wanted. Like the tenth sweater from Grandma? Well, usually the universe knows what you need for your path a lot better than you. The universe feeds us what we need to move on moment by moment. Start treating people like gifts - you'll be amazed.

This is how most people live:

Friend: It's Tuesday.

You: Yep. Three more days til the weekend.

Friend: Wanna get some lunch?

You: Nah, I'm busy. Maybe tomorrow.

Fascinating as this is, this is not you being the change. Now, if we apply the tool…

Friend: It's Tuesday.

You: I know! Isn't it great! Some of the best things in my life have happened on Tuesdays.

Friend: Really?

You: This is going to be the best Tuesday ever! I am SO busy at work right now, which is really cool, and I would love if we can have lunch tomorrow. I'll cook!

Friend: That would be great!

You: Yep. And then it will the best Wednesday ever too!

Smiles all round.

So that's number one. Some of the coolest things in my life have happened when I've done this. Try it out. Report back. I'd love to hear what you guys get up to.

Light.

How I know I'm Present

When I feel a deep sense of well being, love and peace all at the same time; I know I'm focused in the present and any thoughts or actions in that state are in alignment with SELF/GOD/PEACE.

Re: How I know I'm Present

I love the technique of staying on Tuesday, or whatever day it may be. So here goes, “Hey, today is Saturday!” “Yes, it is, and today we are cleaning out the garage to put our cars in with more space and get rid of excessive junk we don't need!” “Great, let's do it!”

Okay, now I will try it on someone else… and get back to you!

Binah 

Re: Impro for Life! Part 1

How awesome!  I have a friend who is like this.  I remember when I first met him, he told me he just had a root canal – with a humongous smile on his face.  He is truly child-like, filled with wonderment and amazement at all things. 

The whole concept of “yes, and” in improv is great too.  Too often we say no or automatically turn away from new ideas and opportunities.  In improv, the response is always “Yes!” then you add on to it. 

What a great way to live.  I never thought about applying rules of improv to my life, but it's a wonderful idea.  Who knows what the future holds?  Live in the moment!

Thanks Lux!

Robin

Re: Impro for Life! Part 1

No probs Robin! Good to have you. And thanks for bringing up my next point! Please see the next thought stream for my “Yes, and…” post.