Monster Baby: A Curious Romp Through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation

Speaking up is one of the most natural—and most frightening—things we humans do. With Ted back from a month-long voice and speech training in Manhattan and Lisa back from a few weeks at summer camp, Episode #49 takes on the topic of stepping up and speaking out. Ted opens the conversation with his reasons for proposing the topic and why speech represents a fundamental human expression (2:20). Lisa discusses when and where she’s comfortable and not comfortable speaking up (6:45) and initiates some musings on how improv training helps us jump into getting our voice into the world (10:46). Ted introduces the ways that body awareness can affect our speech (15:04) and how speaking up can serve as another mindfulness practice (18:11). The pair consider whether jokes and humor help or hurt more serious moments of conversation (19:21) and give a nod to the Buddhist principles of Right Speech (22:59). Lisa acknowledges how many women (and some men) have real difficulties learning to speak with volume (25:36) and Ted mentions how speaking through to the ends of sentences can serve as a continuity of mindfulness practice (30:23). The pair discuss how mindfulness helps us speak more effectively (35:36) and loosens our ego attachment to whatever words come out of our mouths (39:40). They explore the ways in which improv helps you know when to step up and speak out (45:46) and close with a little riff on Vikings and the gospels (50:15).   As always, Lisa and Ted would be delighted to hear from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to help them combat that gnawing sense of loneliness and listlessness that plagues this existential level of being: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #49 Speak Up! appeared first on Anima Learning.

The devil may live in the details—but’s that’s probably because he likes the magic there. In Monster Baby Episode, #48, Ted and Lisa discuss the challenges, joys, and benefits of getting specific. They start with a few leftovers from last episode’s discussion on Emotions (2:20) and a new version of the old-standby warm-up game, Three Things (12:01). The pair notes how paying close attention brings out life’s details, develops care for the world, and helps us “wake up to the gifts” (20:45). Lisa introduces the notion of “magic space” from the world of clowning and Ted notes how specificity helps in interpersonal relationships (26:55). Lisa mentions the notion of “milking moments” which leads to a healthy challenge from Ted (29:11). She then notes how getting specific with small talk parallels the chemistry process of “nucleation”—listen in and see if she got it right! (38:45) Together, they note how detail in feedback helps us get out of typical, predictable scripts, and Lisa brings the episode to a close by discussing some details about what she loves about the summer camp where she volunteers each July (47:19).   As always, Lisa and Ted LOVE hearing from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to help them combat that gnawing sense of loneliness and listlessness that plagues this existential level of being: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com Thanks to ccPixs.com www.ccPixs.com) for the Featured Image at the top of this post.   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #48: Be Specific! appeared first on Anima Learning.

Pull out the pillows and the tissue paper—Monster Baby Episode #47 gets emotional. Or, more accurately, gets into emotions. Lisa and Ted start with some reflections on Lisa’s end of term teaching improv at Stanford (2:27) and working through some “leftovers” from last episode—including how do you stay calm when performing I front of a room (6:28) and how the Monster Baby image connects to creativity (14:45). They dive into today’s topic by considering their own default emotions (21:59) and then by parsing out the emotions as distinct from identity and from “fact.” (28:09) They name the five core emotions—at least as described by Pixar’s “Inside Out” (31:41)—and then discuss whether improvisors have default emotions they play when they perform (34:50). Ted mentions how emotional sounds on stage and in life lead to emotional involvement (37:48) and Lisa explains the notion of “Clown Neutral” (47:07). They each discuss what settings they might choose on their own emotional equalizer (49:10) before realizing that Lisa would like to see more of Ted’s emotions and experience more of hers (58:05). Lisa offers one last clarification about her tone (1:10:00) before the co-hosts wrap up the episode with the traditional Outro (1:12:07).   As always, Lisa and Ted LOVE hearing from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to help them combat that gnawing sense of loneliness and listlessness that plagues this existential level of being: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #47 Why Are You So Emotional? appeared first on Anima Learning.

What does it mean to be creative? Do you qualify? In Monster Baby #46, Lisa and Ted mix it up with the muses, exploring the boundaries and qualities of this thing called “creativity.” They start with a riff on poinsettias and mouth noises—hint: Lisa likes the former and hates the latter (1:08)—and acknowledge their entry into the discussion is a bit of a fly-by-night operation (4:11). Ted offers his answer to the question of “Why even talk about creativity?” (6:56) before Lisa chimes in and raises the question of whether are not certain people are truly “creative.” (11:23) The pair wonder if we’re always being creative—like, does ordinary speech count? (15:13)—and then articulate how creativity includes both the ability to see new patterns and the willingness to express that vision (20:25). Ted mentions how speech after a silent retreat has a particular potency (27:57) and explores how creativity mixes with mindfulness and the Muses (30:08). Lisa and Ted alike wonder whether you can plan for creativity (36:17) before beginning their wrap-up (48:45) and move into the Outro (50:08).   For more information on their Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat coming up June 11th to 15th, 2018 in Santa Cruz, please visit the retreat’s web page: www.animalearning.com/monsterbabyretreat). As always, Lisa and Ted LOVE hearing from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to help them combat that gnawing sense of loneliness and listlessness that plagues this existential level of being: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #46 Playing with Creativity appeared first on Anima Learning.

If you’re looking for some action, you’ve come to the right place! In Monster Baby Episode #45, Lisa and Ted consider the many ramifications of action in a life of mindfulness and improvisation. They start by considering what associations the word brings to mind (1:58) and then describe where action shows up in each of their lives—including a mention of the academic notion of “praxis.” (6:08). The pair distinguishes between stillness and being stuck (11:31) and Ted explains how mindfulness can include movement and makes for important prep for real-life action (14:07). They bring in the Taoist concept of Wu Wei to chat about Lisa’s leadership style (17:54) and then sort through a bit of disagreement on whether such a thing exists as “the right time to act.” (25:01) Ted describes kinesthetic testing as a measure of whether to act (33:09); Lisa introduces the notion of “sitting slowly with uncertainty.” (37:28) They both explain how action in improv helps make for a better time (46:36) and then, following the intro, share a fun new action-oriented game they made up for this episode. (56:42) : Don’t wait to listen to this stirring episode: act now!   For more information on their Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat coming up June 11th to 15th, 2018 in Santa Cruz, please visit the retreat’s web page: www.animalearning.com/monsterbabyretreat). As always, Lisa and Ted LOVE hearing from you. Please send a note, question, or comment to help them combat that gnawing sense of loneliness and listlessness that plagues this existential level of being: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com Feature image courtesy of Josh Hallett from Winter Haven, FL, USA – Finale – Lights, Motors, Action – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46713615 San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #45 Gettin’ Some Action appeared first on Anima Learning.

Ted and Lisa are working the levers of status: who’s got it, how it’s communicated, how we get good at playing with it—and more. On this, the Monster Baby Podcast’s 2nd birthday, our intrepid pair starts by giving away a scholarship slot for their upcoming Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat (1:43) and then by getting into Keith Johnstone’s work around status (4:13). Lisa makes sure to counter the notion that “high status equals good status” (9:36) and the two play a game of one upsmanship and one downsmanship as an example (11:47). Lisa brings in a provocative question from one of her Stanford improv students (15:40) and Ted notes how we’re both experts and non-experts when it comes to this stuff (20:57). They together run through some of the many levers of status (22:15) and discus the ways in which status can get bestowed by others (28:24). The conversation loops back around to link status considerations more explicitly to mindfulness (32:49) before Ted outline the distinctions between status, rank, power, and esteem (37:13). Both advocate for developing flexibility and fluidity with status for a full range of expression (44:31) and when Lisa notes the gift of attention, the conversation leads into the five languages of love (47:38). The episode closes with two final questions: once we know all this then what? (50:40), and can we go too far with all monitoring status in our lives (57:51). It’s a longer episode than usual, but it’s packed with good stuff—we hope you enjoy!   For more information on the Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat coming up June 11th to 15th, 2018 in Santa Cruz, please visit the retreat’s web page: www.animalearning.com/monsterbabyretreat).   As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #44 What’s Your Status? appeared first on Anima Learning.

There’s wisdom in them thar’ bodies—so it’s time to get physical! Lisa and Ted open Episode #43 with an audacious shot at a free slot in their upcoming Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat (3:37) and a bit of a juicy story (6:31). Lisa wonders if mindfulness can ever be robustly physical (8:58) and if it, counter to common understanding, actually pulls you out of “the zone” (12:56). The pair consider how to prepare yourself to hear the body’s wisdom (19:24) and agree on the importance of physically showing up (21:34). Ted asks Lisa about Clown Camp which leads to her ‘golden sparkle curtain’ of onstage energy (23:52) and then we hear about the physicality of speaking and listening (33:58). Lisa proffers two more opinions (36:37 and 42:37) and Ted wonders where the mind is actually located (53:12). Strap yourself in for a lively episode—the energy was flowing!   For more information on the Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat coming up June 11th to 15th, 2018 in Santa Cruz, please visit the retreat’s web page: www.animalearning.com/monsterbabyretreat).   As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com   San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #43 Let’s Get Physical appeared first on Anima Learning.

Limiting beliefs get into us from a young age—how the heck can we undo or at least disarm them? In this Monster Baby episode, Ted and Lisa play with some tools and generate some hacks from the worlds of mindfulness and improvisation. The episode begins with a check-in from Lisa’s recent junket to Singapore (1:39) and a warm-hearted invitation to the Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat coming up in June in Santa Cruz (5:12). They introduce the topic of the day (9:44) and reintroduce the notion of growth mindset, a foundational belief about learning (10:55). Ted and Lisa each share a limiting belief from their own childhoods (16:32) and then consider how beliefs can get in the way of effective mindfulness practice (23:02). They draw on fellow applied improvisor Kay Ross’ versions of “New Choice” (24:48) and “The Story Spine” to talk about transforming limiting beliefs (31:11) before expanding out to consider even larger questions of faith and purpose (38:14). Ted shares a new exercise he learned about finding antidotes for toxic beliefs (40:14) before the two wonder how beliefs from improv might spill into life, including considering whether there is such a thing as parking karma (46:40). Finally, Lisa introduces the notion of belief-hacking and gets into the ultimate importance of self-acceptance (49:45). Here’s hoping the episode invites you to take some inventory about what beliefs might be holding you back and to play with different ways you might reclaim your power from them. Love to all and thanks for listening! For more on the Mindful Play, Playful Mind retreat, please visit: www.animalearning.com/monsterbabyretreat. For more from Kay Ross, check out her Playground of Possibilities website: www.playgroundofpossibilities.com. As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #42 Beyond Beliefs appeared first on Anima Learning.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Lisa and Ted dive into the topic of love in its many forms. They start by checking the legendary history of St. Valentine (1:45) and wonder if maybe St. Patrick is deserving of similar attention (3:19). They ask what the word “love” really means anyway (5:56) and then consider overlaps between love and mindfulness (8:17). Ted wonders if love is why we’re really here on the planet (14:00) and the pair consider the roles of attachment and mutuality in love (16:15). As per the podcast’s mandate, they explore the overlaps between love and improv (23:37) before introducing a few lessons on love from Jesus (34:07). Lisa introduces her idea for diversifying one’s love portfolio (40:42) and they close by considering whether projection qualifies as love (43:19). Whether you’re celebrating with a partner or enjoying the day of hearts alone, we hope you’ll tune in and enjoy the exploration. We do love you! As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. Thanks so much for listening! To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #41 What’s Love Got to Do With It? appeared first on Anima Learning.

Responding to a listener question (thanks, Shannon!), Ted and Lisa start to explore the world of expectations. Some initial responses (1:56) give way to another question: if we don’t have expectations, can we be disappointed? (6:04) Lisa delineates between expectations of what—as in, the end results—vs expectations of how—as in, the process (9:00) and the pair discuss the importance of making expectations conscous and explicit (14:30). Ted wonders what the best way of figuring out your own expectations is (18:33) and the pair parse out how to question the bad feelings that arise when we don’t meet our expectations (24:31). They consider the tendency to reset the bar of expectations after successes and failures (32:13) and ponder whether we really need to emphasize how precious each moment is (37:10). Whatever you expect to get out of the episode, we hope it pleases you in the end!   As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. Thanks so much for listening—we love you all! To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived. The post Monster Baby #40 Great Expectations appeared first on Anima Learning.