Greetings to my beloved TSJ readers!
I am excited to write to you today about a topic that has often intrigued me ~ improvisation.
Have you ever admired artists, musicians, actors, dancers and entertainers who practice improv?
I have, but I admit I never personalized this as something we all can learn until recently when I read a Kindle book: IMRPOV WISDOM: Don’t Prepare. Just Show Up” by Pat Ryan Madson. It has inspired today’s reflections.
Also, today’s WW is a small birthday tribute to our TSJ’s late “Mr. Tom” who would have celebrated his 72nd year yesterday (6/28/22).
Improvisation (Improv): What it is and How it helps us:
I find it amusing that my computer does not like the word “improv” and spell check thinks I am meaning “improve.” In a way that is true because learning about the gifts of improv has been improving my attitude lately. But I digress. So let’s begin.
Just so you know . . you don’t have to be like Robin Williams to practice improv.
If you are old enough to remember Robin Williams you may remember his uncanny ability to be funny or profound (or both) on-the-spot. Tom and I saw a program where students learning from him watched as he would ask for a woman’s scarf (who was sitting in the front row of the audience) and immediately use that scarf to become several different impersonations. Some were hilarious. Others were poignant. All were jaw dropping. We were spell bound.
According to our author, Pat Ryan, “the truth is, human beings are improvisers by nature.” That means you and me!
Those of you who knew Tom very well have likely either seen him take a scarf or a hat at a party and become a character or you may have seen pictures of him doing so. Many of us have laughed until we cried. Some of you who are reading this may be crying just remembering. But mostly you will chuckle.
Tom needed no rehearsal, no alcohol, and no guarantees; it was pure improvisation. A gift to all of us.
Like the title of Pat’s book, he simply “showed up” in the moment.
Thank you, Tom for those memories.
I have been pondering the secret ingredient to improvisation. While there is not likely one secret, it occurs to me improv is significantly linked to principles I wrote about from Quincy Jone’s book (12 Notes) in last week’s blog: Do what you enjoy (“what gives you goosebumps”) and “Get out of your own way.”
Those pieces of advice are searing my soul these days when I get burdened by fears and discouragement in the world. Fear constricts our joys and improvisation expands our world beyond ourselves and our fears.
What is a Good Improviser?
Pat says this: “ A good improviser is someone who is awake, not entirely self-focused and is moved by desire to do something good, give something back and who acts upon this impulse.”
So for me, learning the power and values embedded in improvisation is helping me lighten me up.
I Was a Monk for a Minute!
Years ago a colleague with a strong personality, amazing music talent and (for me) an intimidating persona…persuaded me to get tickets to a downstairs cabaret to watch a comedy play. Tom and I went with another couple. Honestly, I do not remember even the name of the play but I remember this . . .
It was the kind of performance that calls people from the audience to participate. I did not know that. I was relaxed and enjoying the show when suddenly my name was called to report backstage. I froze. Tom urged me on. Clearly my colleague knew I was there.
It all happened so fast I barely had time to worry. They quickly took me backstage and put a monk’s robe on me. It was the brown linen kind with a braided rope belt and a hood. I was incognito. No script. No practice. All I was told was “go out now and act like a monk.” No rules. No help. Just do it. “It will be fine.”
As soon as I was in disguise I changed. I relaxed. I fell into the role so well that people did not believe it was unrehearsed. I loved the feeling.
And guess who was literally beaming with pride and overflowing with compliments? Tom. I will never forget how happy and proud he was. That meant more to me than anything. I admired him greatly and this would have been easy and natural for him. But his radiant smile and praise is etched into my soul. And it was good for me to “get out of my own way” and experience the joy of that.
“As improvisors we discover we don’t need an unrealistic guaranteed to begin. The only real failure is not showing up.” Pat Ryan Madson
Conclusion:
How about you? Can you imagine the ways you can practice improvisation to improve the situation if necessary or just have fun? Can you imagine being less constricted by worries about failure and more open to spontaneously trying new things, new strategies etc.?
Pat challenges us:
“Imagine a life brimming with spontaneity . . . See yourself coping effortlessly with a demanding boss, a tired child, and unexpected turn of fate.”
“Feel yourself alive, poised and ready for any adventure.”
Three of her maxims: “Show up, say yes, and enjoy the ride” are my goals for this week.
I am thankful I was a monk for a minute (or a few minutes) because it gave me the taste of living lighter.
I think Solomon, perhaps Tom, and of course our Chief Shepherd are challenging me lately to say “yes” to life and the opportunities it gives all of us to live, love, learn and lead with more joy.
Beware, however …. Improvisers make mistakes! One of Pat’s maxims is, “Make mistakes, please!” Okay we can do that! And improve as we improvise.
As always, let me know what you think. Your emails are fun, encouraging and welcomed.
With love and gratitude,
Margie and Solomon
*** I might mention that the author is an Emerita of Stanford University where she taught for three decades in the Drama Department. And note also, I am not selling books! Just sharing the sources.