You’re not alone!
It’s really exciting that we get to gather with friends and family! But…SO MUCH has happened, there has been so much uncertainty, stress, and disagreement, and now we’re all getting together. Just the thought of this often has people planning excuses and exit strategies. (You may be drafting these in your head, right this second!)
It would be great if we could get together with loved ones, in person or virtually, and not feel those disagreements, slights, or downright conflict, but share laughter and joy instead.
And we can! We don’t have to feel anxious about social gatherings. It just might take a little creativity.
Improv Makes Social Gatherings Feel Safe
By “creativity” I of course mean “improv” and “getting your loved ones on-board with playing.” The rules and structures of each improv game take the uncertainty out of social interaction, and they can help bring people together with that laughter and shared joy we all want to experience with our loved ones!
The improv rule of “Yes, And…” frames each and every interaction with unconditional acceptance and validation. We are listening, and we are listened to. We understand and are understood. We are curious about what other players add, we explore and add to what they created, and by adding, we validate what came before. In return we are validated. Each and every short-form improv game (and you can find several of them in One Rule Improv) is structured to accomplish that.
The Brain Agrees
For the scientists and skeptics in the crowd (you know, the one relative who will ask ALL the questions about this): This isn’t wishful thinking; research, like the neurobiological study I coauthored shows these processes at work in improv games.
So, consider starting your holiday gathering off on the right foot with these games, to help everyone of all ages come together, listen and laugh, and share a moment of connection and smiles. Or, if there is a point where discord is building, break it up with a game to help people find a place of shared joy and understanding again. If you’re hosting for the holidays and want to be prepared to facilitate days or weeks of tension-relieving, joy-bringing improv games, consider taking an online training course! You don’t have to feel anxious about social gatherings.
There may be important topics that your loved ones are passionate about and want to share, but don’t yet feel the safe space to begin talking. Through the practice of improv—through the power of “Yes, And…”—we can feel safe and supported while we all take a moment to listen and understand each other. We can give our brain extra tools to positively express ourselves and find solutions to the problems before us, allowing us to better move forward in the uncertainties before us. Improv can help you and your loved ones move from a state of fear and anxiety that come up in social situations—especially during the holidays—and into a space of validation and joyful expression.
Learn improv now! Bring it home, Bring it to work…Just bring it!
I don’t know about you, but I think sharing that kind of freedom with loved ones, or even coworkers and other associates, is an incredible holiday gift to give! And the best part is, you can always adapt the games to your family’s specific needs, so you’re making it your own as you learn together. You are probably not the only one feeling anxious this holiday season, but you can help by sharing improv.
Visit OneRuleImprov.com to learn how.
Happy holidays, and enjoy your time with loved ones!
