Impro For Life, Part 2

So, as we have discussed, Impro is for life, not just for Christmas. Part 2 of my guide to taking it to the streets is the “Yes, and…” policy.

Here's how it works, it's very simple: whenever someone suggests something to you, say, “Yes, and…” to it. Do not say no. Definitely do not say, “Yes, but…” Force yourself to say, “Yes, and…” then continue the sentence and see what happens.

This is one of the simplest tools we have for living a creative life. “Yes, and” forces you to create, to ADD on.

We are trained in society to dampen down, to control, when we should be INCITING, expanding, enlarging. If we are not inciting, we are in fear or apathy. Create, make bigger, say “Yes, and…” to life.

Improvisers do this on stage. We do this to create drama and tension. Nobody wants to watch somebody be calmed down or pacified, we want to see them explode, with anger, delight, joy, lust, whatever. Being mollified isn't exciting. And this is true of reality offstage too. Chances are, if you're bored in life, then you are not inciting enough. 

Let's create excitement! Let's be positive tools of change and creativity! Let life fill you! I want to hear your “yes, and's” to these suggestions…
 

Re: Impro For Life, Part 2

This is a completely intriguing concept. Has anyone out there been practicing this? Yes and … Even if you manage to get out of whatever someone wants you to do, you have done something to the universe by saying, 'yes and …'

Improvisers do it on stage. Have you ever noticed that the best actors are improvisers? I've just seen “Two Gentlemen of Verona” twice. The fellow playing Launce (the one with the dog) was magnificent. Of course, working with a dog you had better be good at improvisation, but it occurred to me part way through the play that this actor was good ALL the time and I think it is because he is so comfortable on the stage.

Sometimes I think my problem in life is that I am expecting it to be scripted, and that just isn't the way it is. In life, as in theatre, probably those that improvise well are the most comfortable.

Very interesting! Glad to beeeeee here.

~ Dryad

yes

I realize this must be cliche to a lot of you folks, but I'll share this end piece of Joyce's Ulysses regardless.   “…and then I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.”  This affirmation can be done with any enocounter..yes?     Peace, Maze