Like me, you might have heard coaches and teachers say things like “be present”, “stay in the moment” and “don’t think”. While I know what they mean in concept, presence is something that must be experienced, rather than taught. Returning to the moment might be a different journey each time depending on where I am. Unfortunately, I don’t think these well-meant words are helpful for people who haven’t had much experience with practices in presence.
That’s why whenever I learn a new practice that helps me cultivate presence, I love to share it. Today, practicing with my improv ensemble (check out our shows!), our coach shared First, Second and Third Circle energy and how they affect our ability to presence.
We walked around the room as a group noticing the doorways between each other and walking through them. In First Circle we looked down, briefly looking up to see others and then looking away. Our shoulders were forward and down. Our energy inward and thinking thoughts like “am I doing this right?”, “why are we doing this?” and “this is dumb”. An inward monologue ran while our bodies went through the movement of walking. We then jumped to Third Circle. Our chests puffed outward and our eyes searched beyond. Our stances got wider, too, but it was energy forced out, intended to take up space. Thoughts like, “hey, I’m looking good”, “look at me!” and “Oh yeah, I got this” rolled through. We looked at each other and our environment, but didn’t see or hear anyone or anything.
The our coach invited us into Second Circle. We relaxed our muscles. Our arms rested lightly at our sides, and hips and legs directly under our frames. She invited us to open our jaws slightly because she said that science is discovering that is the best position for listening. We imagined ourselves with antennae all over, receptive to the people and things around us. We began noticing details in the room. We saw our teammates, heard the sound of their shoes on the carpet and could smell the scents in the room. One thing we didn’t discuss, but I would include, is that we must include ourselves in our noticing. Noticing our breath, and the sounds and movements we make. We are part of the Second Circle. Here’s a video of Patsy Rodenburg, the creator of the Second Circle method.
What I love about this practice is that we had permission to experience First and Third Circle before Second Circle. First and Third Circle aren’t “bad” or “wrong” and can be something we choose. I know that I will be in First or Third Circle many, many times. This practice invites me to know what they feel like in my body and to notice the subtle shifts when I go from one to the other.
This reminds me of another practice in presence called Loop of Awareness by Kathlyn Hendricks. Loop of Awareness is the simple shift of attention from out to in and in to out. It’s noticing a tree blowing in the wind, then noticing your heartbeat. Noticing the breathing of your puppy and then noticing your own breathing. For me, Second Circle is like Loop of Awareness. It’s practicing circulating attention. Ultimately, when I’m present, I am aware of myself and my surroundings at the same time. In Third Circle, I’m stuck with all of my attention pushed out. In First Circle, I’m stuck with all of my attention sucked in. There is no circulation. Second Circle and Loop of Awareness are two practices that are tangible things we can do to cultivate presence.
I practiced Second Circle during a Nia (workout) class where we were free style dancing around the room. At first I didn’t even notice that I was in First Circle, focused inwardly, afraid of looking awkward and hoping no one paid me much attention. Then I was dancing my best moves, thinking how cool I must look and hoping that others noticed me. When I “woke up” I realized I had been alternating between First and Third Circle. I relaxed my body and my gaze. I began taking in all of the people in the room and appreciating them for being there. Once I was in a space of seeing others in appreciation, I let my body move however it wanted and connected with the other dancers. As Viola Spolin, the mother of modern improv, advised, I allowed myself to “see and be seen.”
Improvisation of any kind requires us to be in the moment and that means we must become masters of how we direct our attention. If you’re curious to experience Second Circle and other practices in presence through improv, join me in my next improv 6-week class series beginning Monday, January 21st, 2019. I’m hosting a free sample class in West Seattle on Monday, January 14th. It’s at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse in West Seattle from 7-9pm. Drop in and let’s play!
