I started a nine-week comedy improvisation class this evening led by Robert Smith, aka Sir LaffsAlot (from NYC & not of The Smith’s fame–at least I don’t think). We did quite a bit of laughing and story telling/acting (much fun!).

Workshop leader Robert spent some time at the beginning talking about the importance of dimming down the thoughts constantly running through the mind in order to tap into the present. It’s by being immersed in the present–accepting and supporting what is going on–that the improv fun happens.

Shutting up the mental chatter–my kind of activity!

I really liked this metaphor he used: say there was a vacuum cleaner salesman who kept knocking at your door. If you told him to take off enough times, he might stop knocking at your door.