Did you know that the art of improvisation can benefit how you live your life?

Much like the perpetual talk of lemon water in the morning and apple cider vinegar, improv is one of those life altering tools you must embrace and put to use every day.

My Improv A-ha Moment

A few months back I was having one of my Mom-mentor talks with my teen daughter. I was chatting about how a required class for everyone should be a theatre/drama class on improvisation. “How so,” she asked? She knew that as a mathematician, business exec, and now holistic health coach, it was unlikely that I could ever have use for a technique used by comedians, so my new admiration for improv seemed misplaced.

Yet thinking back on my own journey, stepping first through business life and now living in my holistic world, the concepts from improv are spot on for living a balanced, happy life. This is how I found myself talking about it.

What Improv Can Do for You

Entering that stage of life typified as wise, I am often more reflective than I used to be and eagerly share that wisdom, especially with my children. The way I see it improv can enhance courage, growth and preparedness. Put another way, improv provides simple tools to help anyone become a super flexible, gumby like, collaborative ensemble member which in the end is a straightforward way to open mind and heart.

“Gee, all that?” my daughter queried when I elaborated. Indeed!

Easily Learn Improv and Open the Possibilities

Once you learn the simple tools for improv, which I gleaned from Tina Fey while listening to her book Bossypants, you will begin to see the connections to life and balance. Learning it is as simple as the steps below. And if you want to laugh you can listen to Tina Fey with a clip about improv from the book which starts at 3:38 of this video.

Tool 1: Agree.
Always agree and say a resounding ‘Yes!” In the world of improv saying yes keeps the momentum and the skit going. It is a statement of respect for what the other person just created and an agreement that you are going to build off of that idea.

1. 
   

2. Life Benefits:
   

3. Saying yes affords us the to be living with the glass half full rather than half empty. It allows us to see, hear and acknowledge those around us. The essence of saying ‘yes’ is to accept and move forward building a common foundation. Bottom line - it creates harmony, respect, interconnectedness and confidence.
   

Tool 2: Say “Yes,” AND.

After you agree, yes/and requires you to participate by adding something of your own. It is your opportunity to contribute, to be involved, to move things along, together. It is your unique way to add value.

1. 
   

2. Life Benefits:
   

3. Once you say yes, adding AND is like giving a big, ‘let’s do this!’ Similar to saying yes it signals connection but it goes a step further to demonstrate that you have something important to add. It also puts you in the moment.
   

Tool 3: Make statements.

Making statements, and not just asking questions is another way to show your commitment. It is an extension of yes/and. When you make statements, you become part of the outcome. But don’t forget about tone, inflection and body language, which can steer the best interactions in many directions.

1. Life Benefits:
   

2. Similar to yes/and, making statements moves life forward and it demonstrates that you have a point of view, and are willing to make commitments. How many people go through life feeling like they are not heard. Here’s your chance.
   

Tool 4: There are no mistakes.
All of the above comes with the overriding perspective that there are no mistakes, just opportunities. No matter where the direction goes, viewing every contribution as an opportunity enables endless outcomes.

1. 
   

2. Life Benefits:
   

3. How many times have you heard this question, “ What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” When there are no mistakes you are freed of failure and able to build confidence. The ‘no mistake’ rule allows you to learn and grow. Plus, ‘there is no such thing as a failure’ is the ultimate way to encourage thinking out of the box!
   

Next time you are in a simple conversation try to improv. Saying, ‘Yes!” might be the hardest especially when talking with our families or co-workers but could very well change the entire tone and direction of your relationships. See if it opens your heart and mind. Thinking about your vision of your future, try living the idea of ‘no mistakes’ and notice if it gives you more courage, removes inhibitions and gets you thinking outside of your comfort zone. See how many improv lessons you can implement and then let me know if the ultimate outcome was different than it might have otherwise been.

Image: A Medium Corporation

Need help or want to comment? Email me at blog@gladforhealth.com or contact me.

welcome    about    services    stories    contact    blog    reviews    oils    resources