Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up *(ebook)
In an irresistible invitation to lighten up, look around, and live an unscripted life, a master of the art of improvisation explains how to adopt the attitudes and techniques used by generations of musicians and actors. Let’s face it: Life is something we all make up as we go along. No matter how carefully we formulate a “script,” it is bound to change when we interact with people with scripts of their own. Improv Wisdom shows how to apply the maxims of improvisational theater to real-life challenges—whether it’s dealing with a demanding boss, a tired child, or one of life’s never-ending surprises. Patricia Madson distills thirty years of experience into thirteen simple strategies, including “Say Yes,” “Start Anywhere,” “Face the Facts,” and “Make Mistakes, Please,” helping readers to loosen up, think on their feet, and take on everything life has to offer with skill, chutzpah, and a sense of humor. Read more
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Why Must Read Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up?
Senior memory or not, I could have sworn I wrote an early, 5-star review for Patricia's accessible gem of a book. But I searched and couldn't find my review — so here it is (again). I begin with two caveats: (1) Patricia is an acquaintance and colleague of mine. We're both'Constructive Living' instructors, certified by David K. Reynolds, Ph.D. who originated an approach to living wisely and well, and who wrote another superb book with that title. Patricia was also my daughter's Improv teacher at Stanford University when she was a student there. (2) Because I read the book on publication, my comments must remain as general as my memories. No problem there, since other reviewers have outlined many key points from their fresh read. I can only speak here about what I know of Patricia's extensive experience and personal practice of the principles she expresses in the book, with heart and clarity. I still have the book on my shelf — it's one of those lifetime keepers that would make my top-ten-ever books in this genre. In a field of innumerable rah-rah self-help books recycling worn slogans and bromides, Patricia Ryan-Madson's IMPROV WISDOM comes as a breath of fresh air — an antidote to idealistic advice, wishful and magical thinking, and abstract ideas — with do-able, practical, realistic reminders. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone interested in living wisely and well.
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