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Yesterday the company I work for rewarded the marketing group (all 55 of us!) with a half day off downtown for lunch and an afternoon of fun. I really didn’t feel like having a “fun” day with so much work to do and I’m not big on large group get-togethers (my introvert really gets scared!) So when I found out that our fun was spending an afternoon at Second City doing improv comedy I was really not happy. In fact I really wanted to turn around and run home. But as I walk this path, I decided eventhough I didn’t feel like having fun (as crazy as that sounds) and improv totally terrifies me, I must be open and find a way to en-joy the experience or at least learn from it…. as it turns out it was the most interesting metaphysical lesson!

The woman that lead our group was amazing, she took us through simple exercises that eventually lead us to an improv “show” by the end of the day. The parallels between good improv and metaphysics were astounding.

As Lindsey explained and took us through each exercise we learned that:
- you need to put judgement of self & others out of your mind,
- any & every answer is a good one and deserves supporting,
- you must listen until the end because you cannot guess or guide or determine the outcome before your partner is finished or else the “comedy” won’t work,
- every offering (word or situation) you get from your partner is a gift to be received in gratitude,
- say “yes, and…” (not NO or Yes But) when building on another idea,
- be totally present and open and in the moment — say what comes to your mind first (listen to your guidance)
… all this from Second City Comedy Show.

I was blown away as these are the fundamentals I try to live everyday. I was so amazed I had to speak to Lindsey about the spiritual nature of improv comedy. She said yes, the fundamentals that make a really great improv comedy are the fundamentals that make a really good life: no judgement, offering support/service to the other, active listening, receiving everything with thanks, being present & empty.
Who would have guessed I’d find my inspiration for the day at Second City! I’m still amazed.

Wherever you look, God shows up!