The Super-Power of Yes and…

Since moving to Chicago in September, I've ventured weekly from the tranquility of Hyde Park to downtown Chicago to take what feels like a metaphorical leap off a cliff: an improv class at Second City, the legendary institution known for launching countless Saturday Night Live comedy careers. While I harbor no aspirations of joining SNL, the class perfectly complements a book I've been developing for years called "Improvising Life." Having already written an introduction and table of contents, and given dharma talks on the topic, this 8-week course seemed like a natural extension of this work. Improvisation—whether in theater, music, or life itself—is fundamentally about embracing uncertainty, never quite knowing where you'll land.

The actual experience of an improv class proved both challenging and transformative. Though I had acted in high school and college, it had been decades since I'd allowed myself to be so uninhibited in front of others. Our class of twelve included aspiring comedians, actors, and people like me who saw improv as a valuable life skill. Our instructor, a member of the Second City Ensemble, skillfully united this diverse group—ranging from early 20s to 70s—creating trust and fostering a temporary ensemble.

Through carefully crafted games and exercises, we gradually shed our inhibitions and discovered new forms of expression. At the heart of all our work lay the fundamental principle of improv: "yes and..." This simple phrase unlocks a world of possibilities. When collaborating with others, it acts as a gift, paving the way for new opportunities and deeper connections.

For example, when improvising a scenario with a classmate, I might say, 'Hey Joe, do you remember the last time we met?' This opens the door to numerous responses. Joe could answer in any way, but ideally, he'll respond in a way that creates new opportunities for dialogue. He might say, Yes, I remember—it was at a coffee shop, and you were with another friend... With this response, several story elements are instantly established: we're friends (or at least acquaintances), we met at a specific location (the coffee shop), and there's an additional character (the other friend). Each sentence creates a 'yes, and' opportunity, avoiding dead ends. Had Joe simply answered 'yes' or 'no,' the conversation would have stalled or required more effort to continue.

This principle resonates deeply with my meditation and dharma practice, as both create space in which freedom and creativity can flourish. “Yes, and..” is truly a superpower, allowing us to take leaps of faith without fixating on where we'll land—trusting that something will always be there to catch us.

Consider jazz improvisation: there are no wrong notes. Each note, chord, or phrase creates possibilities for what might follow. Similarly, in improv theater, any offering can move the story forward if it embraces the spirit of "yes and..." What's essential is committing fully to each moment.

This philosophy has shaped my life journey. Had I ever decided "this is it... this is my life," I would never have arrived where I am today. Even now, each day presents itself as a "yes and..." moment. When things aren't going well, that's okay—within every challenge lies the potential for something new, if we remain open to it.

However, "yes and..." isn't always appropriate. When someone crosses a boundary, harm can result. I've learned this lesson the hard way, having been too accepting in situations where I was seriously taken advantage of. Protecting physical and psychological boundaries is essential. Once healthy boundaries are established, "yes and..." can become transformative.

In my own understanding, this approach also aligns beautifully with the Buddha's teachings. Yes, there is suffering, and there is freedom. Yes, I'm in pain; yes, I'm suffering from this or that, and, what else is here? what else is happening? what else is possible right now? Yes, it’s like this right now… And, I can choose to orient my mind and heart in ways that liberate. Yes, and… this is the taste of freedom, regardless of circumstances.

As we enter this New Year—another chapter of complete uncertainty on every front—perhaps we can face it with the spirit of "yes, and...". When confronting personal, societal, and environmental challenges, can we remain open to all possibilities? Can we work creatively with the cards that are dealt to us? True freedom emerges when we have faith in our personal practice and life's unfolding, both personal and universal, allowing ourselves to somehow both embrace and let go of each moment as it arises.

And now, I say: “yes, and..” to the opportunity to spend two months in India with my partner, Upayadhi. Having never been to India before, this is quite the adventure. I am sure there will be plenty of opportunties to practice “yes, and..” in the weeks ahead.

Stay tuned for musings about improvising life on the road in India…

Next
Next

Returning to an Old Friend