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

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.

How did the Monster Baby Facebook fast go? Lisa starts with her results and notices the power of habit, voyeurism and what it means to think in status updates (5:03). Ted reports about noticing loneliness and boredom but also renewed mental clarity and lessened need for comparison (7:58). Lisa mentions how Facebook serves as a space-filler and how she’s like a shark in water so she won’t end up drooling on the couch (11:11). Ted wonders if constitutional preferences make a difference on one’s relationship to social media (15:39) and the pair discuss what happens when we release ourselves from the need for recognition and actually have experiences for ourselves (20:41). They take a moment to offer a shout-out to Monster Baby listeners around the world (27:56) before wrapping things up and considering the possibility of ongoing Facebook abstinence (34:29). It’s a quick little episode but we hope an insightful one!   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 #39: Facebook Fasting Results appeared first on Anima Learning.

For this more free-form episode, Ted and Lisa share what’s been on their minds recently. Ted starts by considering how his relationship to technology has been affecting his sense of presence (2:21). That leads to a discussion of the addictive nature of Facebook, its effect on the experience of community (6:20) and a commitment to try a Facebook fast (12:22). Lisa mentions how she’s been feeling emptied out—in a good way—and how she’s been trying to watch more TV (18:04). The pair discuss the difference between openness and emptiness and consider why ending suffering might prove a better choice than promoting happiness (24:50). They chat about the mindfulness practice of responding promptly (30:02) and then Ted shares his excitement for the Monster Baby-based book he’s been working on (33:42). 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 #38: What’s on Your Mind? appeared first on Anima Learning.