Taking risks, reaching for the stars, developing meaningful relationships, learning new things, all these require change and growth. Pretty much all of us know that change is not easy and growth can be very uncomfortable. It takes courage try new things, reach for our goals, and allow ourselves to be loved. So where do we find our courage? Are we born with it? Are some just more courageous than others, or is it a skill one can master through practice and patience?
Courage is defined as the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, pain, or difficulty. It does not mean a person feels no fear. Instead, it means acting rightly even when you are scared. The more we face the fear, the stronger our courage becomes. A standard saying in Improv is "Face the Fear." I remember my first Improv workshop. I went with a group of other clergy whom I knew, so I wasn't out there by myself. It was still frightening. I didn't know what the instructors were like, there were a few other strangers in the class, and here I was never having done an improv skit in my life. It took me a few improv games before I got the courage to step up and participate. I wasn't the greatest and I got a few laughs. The important thing is that I didn't die, or freeze, or run off stage. I sweated it through and came out okay. That class was thirty years ago. In that time I've taken workshops from multiple teachers, I've performed on stage, I've studied countless books, and coached workshops myself. And even now, when I step up to perform, I feel the hair standing up on my neck because of fear. But, I've developed the courage to face the fears and move on.
The biggest help in growing that courage is vulnerability. Brene Brown in her book, "Atlas of the Heart" writes, "Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage." She also writes that being vulnerable requires us to surrender to uncertainty. We have to ask questions, admit to not knowing, risk being told that we shouldn't be asking, and, sometimes, make discoveries that lead to discomfort."
We spend so much time protecting and guarding ourselves that we keep out the very things we need to live a full life. We either change or die, there is no staying the same. Having the courage to change is having the courage to be vulnerable. The good thing is, all you need to do is practice it. I have found the best place to practice vulnerability is in an improv workshop. You will find yourself amongst friends who are in the same place as yourself. You will be able to practice vulnerability with very low stakes. You won't lose your job or get your heart broken, the worst that could happen is that you have a boring scene or won't come up with the perfect line. But that's okay. Improv is not about being getting the biggest laugh or applause, it's about being present to the moment, supporting each other, having fun, and seeing everything as a gift.
I've heard countless health care professionals, counselors, actors, and regular people say the best thing you can do for your mental and spiritual health is take Improv. Spend less time doom scrolling and checking your Facebook "likes" and more time engaging in expanding your mind. It's good for you, it' good for your family and friends, and it's good for the world.
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