improv healed me
“Deep inside you lies an endless well of creative potential: the wild and magical energy of your inner child. Many of us have suppressed aspects of our innocent, playful, and expressive nature due to societal expectations and ancestral traumas. These factors have shaped us to conform and fit in, resulting in varying degrees of shutdown and contrived ‘normalcy.’ This workshop is a call to reawaken the wild, joyous, and free play of who we truly are.” — Daniel Labov Dunne, creator of Improv Channeling on Kaua’i.
5 min read
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Jul 11
2
It was in Daniel’s. improv class that I discovered the transformative power of this art form. Seeking a deeper connection with others, I joined the class with hopes of exploring new levels of communication and self-expression. Little did I know the profound impact it would have on my life through endless imagination & healing that it would unlock within me.
The first class began with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Daniel skillfully guided us through grounding meditations and body-connecting exercises, gradually easing us into the realm of improvisation. As the music played, gradually moving us off the ground & into our bodies, dancing around the space and interacted with one another, shedding our inhibitions and tapping into our innate creativity.
One of the most memorable games we played was called ‘Remember When…’ Paired with a stranger, we were tasked with creating a shared memory, despite it never having actually occurred. With unbridled enthusiasm, my partner and I wove a tale of a life lived freely on the land, riding horses through endless fields, and basking in the adoration of children. As we delved deeper into the imaginary memory, it became startlingly real, transporting us to a place that existed solely in our collective imagination.
The magic of improv continued to unfold as we moved from one game to another. We found ourselves falling into vortexes, molding clouds with our bare hands, and transforming into dolphins. Our imaginations ran wild, and laughter filled the room as we embraced the freedom to play.
“The event combines improv games, movement, authentic relating, and channeling practices to reveal the innate creativity that naturally emerges when we feel truly safe together. The class is designed to foster a sense of acceptance, care, and trust as a group, making it easier to share in front of one another as bonds form between participants.
Participants are encouraged to share and express themselves at their own comfort level. This is not an improv performance class, and no one is required to perform in front of everyone.” — Daniel Labov Dunne
But improv wasn’t just about escapism; it had a profound healing effect as well. In a meditation exercise, we connected with the essence of a rose, shifting our focus away from our daily problems and immersing ourselves in the softness and beauty of the flower. It was a moment of pure tranquility and self-discovery.
As the class progressed, we shared our experiences and insights, connecting with one another on a deeper level. Tears were shed, emotions were released, and healing took place. Through the games and exercises, we learned to accept the pain that comes with love, to embrace vulnerability, and to take responsibility for our own happiness.
Daniel’s course has been a major blessing on my life — not only has it cured my social anxiety & loneliness, but has allowed me to let my super weird inner child run free. Being able to stare into a strangers eyes, to mirror them, imagine a life with them, channel with them…. Wow, so incredibly powerful and deeply moving.
I will forever remember how this course has shaped me into a better version of myself- unlocking the truth within me was always there, just needed to find the right people to unlayer with. Everyone was so loving and open. I adore how Daniel made the space nonjudgmental and super goofy! Makes me want to play and dance daily.
I’ve brought improv into my daily life now- i’m less serious, less anxious talking to people- I can stare into someone’s eyes without feeling uncomfortable. I’m allowing myself to love others again, without the expectation of being loved back. I’m realizing we’re all just humans- when we break down these walls, we can channel amazing things together. I feel lighter, there’s no more pressure because i’ve been able to transform myself into magical beings with strangers — I can now do this in my everyday life.
I feel healed.
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You can find information on how to attend Daniel’s courses in the link below. You may also “subscribe” to get on the Kaua’i mailing list!
*** Daniel Labov Dunne would like to credit his mentor Scott Hamilton & Daniel’s participation in Scott’s work Living Essence over the past 11 years as a primary influence in helping Daniel create the safety & attainment in the space that catalyzes such joy and connection.
Link to Daniel’s course :
✨ NEW class: Improv for Playful Embodiment! 💃
Princeville, HI Here's what participants have shared about past improv courses: "Daniel is a master teacher. He creates…
https://medium.com/@cinimist/improv-healed-me-therapy-through-laughter-22566dc58bfa