One of the things I especially loved doing when I lived in San Francisco was improvisational theatre. Improv is a form of theatre in which the actors perform spontaneously. I fell in love with it. In fact, it was improv that helped me discover my inner preacher, which led me on my path to ordination as an Interfaith Minister!
For me improv is a spiritual practice (you know, I can find spirituality in the strangest of places). I had the best teacher in the world, who recognized my talent and crazy imagination and encouraged me to stretch my improvising wings in a number of different formats.
When I walk out onto that stage, I don't know what is going to happen. I find I must trust a greater power than myself to come in and guide me and my fellow actors to a place of passion, interest and laughter. I am always surprised and amazed at what comes out of my mouth, or at how my body starts to move. I find new aspects of my personality that I never knew existed.
I was amazed to discover that once I started improvising again, my life started to shift. Suddenly opportunities that used to scare the daylights out of me weren't so intimidating anymore. I take far more risks than I ever used to, with a deep knowing in my heart that I will be O.K.— that something bigger than myself is watching and guiding me.
When I moved to Petaluma a few years ago, I left behind a dynamic and creative life in San Francisco. I had a wonderful group of friends who I collaborated with on all sorts of projects—from improv, to zines, to Church of Craft gatherings, to a community access television show. Those people are still very much in my life, but Petaluma is a long drive from San Francisco, so I don't get to share in as much fun with them as I used to.
Through a series of interesting events, I have found an improv troupe to perform with. There is something so powerful in connecting with people who truly are a part of my tribe. We are the 6th Street Players, and in this group I have found a new community of beautiful, creative, crafty geniuses. We will be performing the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month in Santa Rosa, California, until at least June 2009.
I want to encourage you to take the leap and do something you have always wanted to do. Is there someone who interests you whom you have never spoken to? Go up and say hello! Have you always wanted to learn how to paint? Learn how to ride a motorcycle? Put on a Puppet Show? Do it!
May you stay open to all the beautiful possibilities in your life, unfolding moment-by-moment—and improvise!
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This article is a revised version of an article by the same name, "Improvising My Way Through Life," published on the author's blog at http://createwithspirit.typepad.com/create_with_spirit/2008/12/improvising-my-way-through-life.html.
