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What to do with discomfort?
We all feel stress sometimes. A little noodge. A joint out of whack. A bump in the wheel. In Monster Baby episode #90, Ted and Lisa explore what mindfulness and improvisation have to teach us about gettin’ (at least a bit more) comfortable with that discomfort.
The pair kick off by discussing the “elephant in the room” of Lisa’s upcoming birth (2:14). Lisa shares what brought her to the topic of discomfort (7:46) and then explores whether there’s a sweet spot for a level of discomfort—and whether improv helps us find that spot (12:57). Lisa mentions her default response to discomfort on state (16:57) and Ted chimes in with his—and also recounts when he most often feels uncomfortable (19:43). They note together that sometimes there’s not a fix for what ails us (23:02) and Ted shares an interesting activity for finding resourcefulness we may already have within (26:35). Lisa finds it can be helpful to imagine a worst-case scenario and Ted notes that, even then, we still have choice in the matter (32:02). After remembering the useful tool of “this is just a chapter in a longer story,” Lisa recounts a visit with her future self (35:13). The episode closes with a note how both improv and mindfulness teach us to focus on the “how” and not the “what” when resolving discomfort (40:44) and with a silly new improv game that Ted came up with recently (43:53).
If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write Ted and Lisa at info@monsterbabypodcast.com.
To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.
And lastly, if you’d like a bit of Monster-Baby-inspired reading, slide on over to www.playfulmindfulness.info to pick up a copy of Ted’s book Playful Mindfulness: a joyful journey to everyday confidence, calm, and connection. (Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)
Lisa Rowland and Ted DesMaisons
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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