First off, I confess that preparation for the Spontaneity+Truth+Impulse course has led me to do some soul searching.
How to access truth and Impulse – those I’ve proven to myself I know how teach – and the benefits are immense… but what about spontaneity?
What if spontaneity is NOT something that can be taught?
Go with me for a sec here…
RECORD SCRATCH FLASHBACK MOMENT:
Years ago I worked with Robert Duval on a movie called A Civil Action (which by the way won the Academy Award for best movie). Duval talked about doing an emotional scene in the movie. He said “All I can do is invite the emotions to come. Beyond that it is out of my control.”
RECORD SCRATCH: WE’RE BACK!
If spontaneity itself can’t be “learned” – maybe the focus needs to shift away from learning-how-to be spontaneous – and instead shift to learning-how-to INVITE spontaneity.
Yes – actually we must train to INVITE.
We have to be able to make an INVITATION soo damn delicious and irresistible that spontaneity just can’t say no.
In terms of the weekend course itself – part of my job is going to be creating an environment in which your spontaneity thrives. ( Hello fun.)
I have no doubt that immersion in the “spontaneous environment” of the Spontaneity+Truth+Impulse course is going to teach you how to flip the switch so that you can blow your doors wide open in a way that invites spontaneity to move on in.
Can I get an Amen?
Ah, sweet spontaneity…
But wait – to some the IDEA of spontaneity can seem scary.
Maybe it’s best to keep things rapped tight and in control.
How shall I say this… Uhhhh – NO!
WHY IS SPONTANEITY SO VALUABLE?
I watch John Voight in Ray Donovan. He’s a master of his craft. His work is consistently spontaneous, unpredictable and delicious. Audiences can’t wait for him to get back on screen. The same goes for the other actors on the show, as well. PS. (shameless plug alert) My perverse character, Stu Feldman, is back in the current Season 4 as well.
But I digress…
My point is that spontaneity is something that we’re born with, then often process out, and now MUST bring into our creative life in order to do our best work.
The human brain and senses can’t detach from witnessing spontaneity. It’s a powerful tool to engage and deliver.
Not to dive into politics itself – but a large part of this entire political season has been (for better and for worse) about spontaneity. My point: You can’t look away from spontaneity.
There is no doubt that spontaneity is the most mighty tool to engage an audience – whether you’re an actor, artist or entrepreneur.
Make no mistake – if your career involves maintaining someone’s attention – without spontaneity – you’re going to lose that attention.
The upcoming CI workshop is going to train you to integrate spontaneity into your work. Spontaneity+Truth+Impulse.
Whether you create via acting, entrepreneurship, public speaking, or coaching, spontaneity is the ULTIMATE tool.
Whether you’re joining us in NYC or Venice, CA, Spontaneity+Truth+Impulse is going to be rocket fuel for your creative life and career.
Can’t wait to see ya!
x
Josh Pais
I agree. I’m all for planning. But spontaneity also works.
Josh, I always get a lot out of your blogs, even if they are “quarterly” 🙂 I especially liked the part about how we’re born with spontanaeity but then we “process it out.”