Entering, an improv lesson
Improv again last night here on Bowen Island. It is such a rich learning space for me in many ways. Last night, one of our group kept bringing scenes back to the Olympics, and especially the luge. At times it was funny but it became tiresome in other cases, and in an extended game of freeze tag, when he stepped in, everyone knew where the scene was going. My learning from that is what it looks like when we come to a situation prepared, with a pre-conceived idea of what will work, being attached to an offering, but insensitive to what is going on or worse, unable to co-create something new. In aikido the art of entering is known as irimi, and it is a powerful thing to learn. It is about entering from a place of essence rather than a place of having a desired effect.
I’m enjoying reading about your improv sessions, Chris. I took improv classes last summer and fall and found it all most profound. And, as you say, a rich learning space in so many ways. The biggest lessons to me (so far) have been learning to be in the moment without preconception, and to draw out what’s next *from* the moment rather than trying to impose it *on* the moment. Which, of course, requires that we really listen to what’s going on and respond to it accordingly. So many lessons for my work!
Interesting, Chris. I know that feeling from music too, in jam sessions where one of the members seems to be stuck on one idea no matter how well (or badly) it fits the current jam. It’s been me, too…I remember feeling frustrated that I didn’t have the creative energy or mojo to bring something new and cool into the mix.
I’ve also experienced this individually with photography. When I’ve already decided before I go out what I’m trying to find, I end up frustrated…when I just go and be open to whatever is found, it’s much more satisfying and productive.
Great story, Chris! Just got sent this post by Eugene Kim, and am intrigued by your background as a musician and open space practitioner.
A classically-trained musician my whole life, I just recently began diving into improvisation and recording, and there is so much to take back into life from these lessons.
Non-attachment, trying to be clever, trying to look “good”, trying to live up to what worked in the past, all of those things trip us up. I find that I’m always needing to remind myself of what I call “the freedom of the first take”. When there’s no expectation, nothing to live up to, and you’re just fully listening, often the best offerings emerge without effort.
Thanks for the post!
Sorry…I meant “Attachment” not “Non-attachment” in my 3rd paragraph! That was my first take…haha