There Will Be a Quiz

Yesterday, I was solicited by a few beautiful young people. Don’t worry, it was only for advice – they asked for a tip on how to be a better student. I decided to offer this video and one quick thought – improv everyday (Heads up: this video drops a few words that your folks and others might find offensive – it pulls a few unedited songs from the pop set. If you’re squeamish, skip to the 1:24 spot in the video – don’t worry, it still grooves):

Give me some of that! Dancing in the moment on the commuter boat! That’s being free – the music, the dance, the reaction. Big time improv. It’s like going to your cousins’ house and grooving to some records.

I want to be that free. Here’s my daily personal checklist for building my skills:

  • Sing aloud and listen
  • Dance without regret
  • Listen to music
  • Write something
  • Freestyle as I may – say the words
  • Sketch
  • Make something
  • Have a conversation with someone I do not know

If you try my daily workout, ignore the voices that will creep up on you.  They’ll tell you that you’re stupid, crazy, or not good enough.  The goal is not approval. The goal is to free your self. To stay comfortable in the moment. To have better conversations. To be a better student. To really enjoy your laughter. To feel it. To discover a new way to think and new stuff to think about. To love without excuses.

You in for the next video?

Bonus Tsotchke from the Tweeps

Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything” makes me stop, shake my head and say,”Umm!” When I asked the Twittersphere to sway me and swoon me with suggestions for a playlist that reminds us that music is still alive. Here are a few thoughts:

  • “The Sun” by Portugal the Man
  • Simon and Garfunkel’s “America”
  • “Different People” by No Doubt
  • Elisa’s cover of (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
  • Brandon Hines’ cover of “How to Love”
  • “Come Away With Me” by Nora Jones
  • “Stronger” — Erick Morillo & Eddie Thoneick (feat. Shawnee Taylor)
  • “The Lengths” by The Black Keys
  • A Song For You” as sung by Donny Hathaway
  • “Jealous Guy” as sung live by Donny Hathaway
  • And a little Boyz II Men

Thanks Malak El Quessny, Rachel Chapman, Benjamin Michaels, Lissette Martinez, Emma Tangoren, John Battaglino, Aleem Aziz, Dan Stevens, the Dear Abbeys, Bonnie Tuballa

Peace.

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