Monster Baby #62 The Uniqueness Paradox

You are truly special. As is everyone else.

Once more, the Monster Baby Podcast shows its affinity for paradox, this time diving into the topic of uniqueness. Ted and Lisa open with a check-in: Ted’s got lottery tickets for Hamilton and the pair struggles for Greek mythological references to describe their state of being (2:26) They continue their warm-up with a few tongue twisters that you can play along with (7:28) before fully entering the realm of this episode’s topic (8:56). Lisa considers whether she’s a unique improvisor and whether it makes sense to purse uniqueness (12:26). Ted asks how improv helps bring out the preciousness of each moment and Lisa clarifies the distinction between preciousness and uniqueness (18:20). Lisa suggests that our universal experiences in life bring us together (21:57) and Ted mentions that the shared nervousness of an improv class has the power to do the same thing (28:25). Though she doesn’t strive for uniqueness, Lisa likes knowing her life is different and agrees that if feels good to be another’s special one (30:47). The pair wonder if we, again paradoxically, show up most uniquely when we get ourselves out of the way, á la the improv principle “Be average.” (35:17) Ted describes the way mindfulness puts us in contact with our ordinariness but then leads to fundamental human wonder and participation (37:26). The episode finishes up with Lisa’s revelation that she may be less “Lisa Rowland” than others think she is (43:30) and Ted’s exploration of how our so-called uniqueness may just be a persona.

If you’ve got any questions or encouragements, feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com.

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For more info or to order Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired new book, Playful Mindfulness, visit www.playfulmindfulness.info.

 

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.

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