On the eve of a New Year, Lisa and Ted consider the value of fresh starts. They begin with some numerical musings (2:29) and warm up with a round of the classic improv game “New Choice.” (7:21) They explore how New Year’s resolutions and how improv heightens our awareness of newness in any given moment (13:35) before discussing how “imprinting” can make it tough to ever wipe the slate clean (19:22). Ted mentions some ways in which mindfulness invites us back to each moment (21:28) and they each share a target theme word for the year (22:14). They distinguish between everyday changes and momentous occasions (26:01) and mention how artist Andy Goldsworthy can help improvisors—and the rest of us—get “good” at newness. (28:20) That leads to a short discussion on the value of design thinking (33:55) and then carries into what Ted and Lisa have brewing on the horizon—think new Monster Baby PodKitten and Clown School! (38:18) The pair closes with a humorous riff on the wonders of octopi (or octopuses) and how they each could offer an apocalypse team. (44:21) The outro pulls it all together with some wrap-up reflections and invitations. Happy New Year, all!

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!

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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 #37: A New Start appeared first on Anima Learning.