Thursday, March 28, 2024

20 hours of being present – at Second City Toronto

June 27, 2011 by  
Filed under Be Present, Featured Posts, Practice

For the past two weekends, I have been immersed in Improv (aka Improvisational Theatre) training at the world-reknown Second City in Toronto.

 

“Improv?”  my friends asked when they heard “You plan to do standup?”  Well, no.  Truth is, I signed up because I thought improv would add to my facilitation and public speaking toolbox.  Oooohhh ….. little did I know what I would experience.

 

  • 20 hours of being present – actually BEING present.  Not just talking about it, or meditating on it, but BEING it
  • 20 hours of acting in the moment, of responding even when (and especially if) your mind is blank and you have no idea what you are going to say or do
  • 20 hours of releasing attachment to thinking, of getting out of your head and into your gut (and heart)
  • 20 hours of observing myself do crazy things, and not caring
  • 20 hours of accepting myself  as I am with all my issues, boxes and isms
  • 20 hours of trusting my classmates, that they would “have my back” (to quote Marjorie, our teacher)
  • 20 hours of trusting myself – that I am enough, that I CAN do it, that I already have it in me
  • 20 hours of laughter, joy, fun

 

Does it sound like 20 hours of being “free and laughing”?  Absolutely!   And did I learn anything, or was I “just” having fun?

 

  • I learned that true learning is less about the skills, and more about the deeper shift in who I am
  • I learned that to really learn, you have to be uncomfortable.  No shifts happen in a comfort zone
  • I learned that when you don’t know what to do, do something – anything – just get the energy going
  • I learned that being in the moment is hard – but possible
  • I learned that every lesson in every course applies to my entire life.  I observed myself engaging with my children in a different way, using improv techniques – I have begun to see through “improv eyes”
  • I learned that when you are having fun, the lessons are truly learned (actually I knew that already and it was great to be reminded)

 

Oodles of thanks to my amazing, brilliant and courageous classmates – Anthony, Auravelia, Barbara, Carolyn, Catherine, Chad, Dayna, Diane, Deborah, Janice, Jordan, Julie Lana, Rom, Tulla (ha ha – I remembered the names!) – and everlasting love and gratitude to our teacher, Marjorie, who gave completely and so generously of herself!

 

Comments

4 Responses to “20 hours of being present – at Second City Toronto”
  1. Diane Craig says:

    Marguerite:

    I would like to echo your comments. I was part of the group and had so so much fun. Learned, explored new ways of thinking and be more positive in my every day conversation. YES, and it pushed me; I have grown as a result of this experience, I think we all have!

    Warmly,
    Diane Craig
    http://www.corporateclassinc.com

  2. Marguerite Orane says:

    Thanks Diane! We certainly came out of our comfort zone … and that’s where real learning takes place

    Blessings

    Marguerite

  3. carolyn says:

    Hi Marguerite! Great summary of our weekends – thanks! I hope our paths will cross again in the future 🙂 I will always remember you as mango and margurita! All the best!

  4. Marguerite Orane says:

    Thanks Carolyn – was really an amazing experience. Hope to see you soon too!