Summary: Learn how the key components of improv can help you break bad habits, get unblocked, spark joy, and deal with your inner critic.Improvisational comedy can act as more than just pure entertainment. Katie Goodman, author of Improvisation for the Spirit, utilizes the key components of improv to help individuals break bad habits, get unblocked, spark joy, and deal with their inner critics. The basis of her methods is to allow you to use both your right and left brain at the same time and thus uncensor yourself, so you can have access to all the creative "goodies." But, you're also picking and choosing which direction you'll head in a rational manner. Certainly, not every minute of every day can be filled with laughter and creativity, but once you begin to practice trusting in yourself and being able to take creative risks, you'll find that you're more alive, aware and spontaneous. Your creative practice doesn't have to be improv, either. It could be pottery, painting, woodwork... anything that's of a creative note. A very important portion of Katie's book is to help you gag your inner critic. At one point, this inner voice was benevolent (trying to keep you "safe"). Now, it's just keeping you from joy and fulfillment; speaking to you in negative self-talk. For example, "Don't ask that person out on a date, you'll just get rejected" or "Don't apply for that job, you'll never get it." You need to retrain your inner critic to be your inner coach. Assign an image and a name if that helps. The voice should be non-judgmental and speak to you in neutral language. "Last time you applied for a job, you weren't really prepared... what can we do to get you ready to rock it this time?" Listen in as Katie joins Dr. Taz to share more about her history as an improv comedian, how it's helped in her own life, and how you can start to benefit from the "yes, and" approach.
