Three Steps to an Improvised Life

By Judy Kinney

I’ve been fascinated with the idea of improv for awhile. In her book, Improv Wisdom, Patricia Ryan Madson says “a good improviser is someone who is awake, not entirely self focused and moved by a desire to do something useful, and acts on this impulse.”

On one hand, we all improvise, right? Countless times during any day, you think on your feet while at work, cooking, parenting, and creating your life. Since we are all constructing as we go, why not strengthen our comfort with spontaneous action?
How would your life shift if you spent more time, as Madson describes, in an improvisational state of mind?

Madson presents thirteen principles in her book Improv Wisdom. Of these, three stand out as a place to begin nurturing an improvised life.

SAY YES
Madson affirms my belief that saying YES is THE key to being flexible and present in your life. I agree with Madson that “saying yes is an act of courage and optimism; it allows you to share.” Yes keeps you in the flow. Try it out! What happens when you say yes to yourself and others freely in a given day? As I’ve said numerous times before, YES is the ONLY word the universe understands.

STAY ON COURSE
The second principle that is an essential practice is “Stay on Course.” Begin by ask yourself “what is my purpose?” This question is an accurate guide, whether you are considering your vision for the rest of your life, sorting out an argument with your sweetie, or deciding how you should spend the day. As always, be prepared to act in alignment with your purpose.

WAKE UP TO THE GIFTS
The third principle that is helpful as you begin living an improvisational life is “Wake Up to the Gifts.” Think about great improvisers you’ve observed. They take what ever is given to them as if it were the one ingredient they’ve been waiting for to complete their task. They naturally fold what ever they are given into their routine, on their terms. They claim each person, object, and experience as if it were a gift, and as such are free of resistance.

What if the economy, your relationships, health, or what ever is bubbling up in your life, are gifts that conspiring WITH you to create your vision?

Tap into your natural sense of direction by asking yourself, “how can I use this to take me toward my purpose?”

And, then act!


Judy Kinney is a Law of Attraction Coach for lesbian, bi and queer women who are creating a loving and prosperous life. You can also find her at www.dreamandflourish.com