If you are an improviser of any kind, of any level, you, my friend, are partaking in a very spiritual practice—whether you realize it or not.

I learned this for the first time after my very first improv class. I started taking improv at Merlin Works a couple of years ago for a very simple purpose: to “banish all fear.” I believe I wrote that very thing down on my initial “intake form.” I was tired of feeling shy or uncomfortable in social situations.

The thing is, I had a regular meditation practice at that time; still do. It is the time during my day where I sit in stillness, physically and mentally. I’m no longer in my head. I am present. It is like my whole being is exhaling: ahhhhhhhh.

And after that first class at Merlin Works, I realized something: improv is not only a way to stop thinking, to meditate (albeit, a very fun and active meditation); improv is a veritable way of living.

Let’s just take a look at some of the basic rules of improv, shall we?

1. Be Present: Don’t worry about what will come; don’t worry about the scene before. Just pay attention to what is, and stay out of your head.

–          Remember, fear, stage fright, and regret are just signals that you’re not in the moment. Pay attention to these and hop right back in.

2. Take Risks: Without risk, you’re not stretching yourself.
3. Embrace Failure: Take a big failure bow and know that this is just a sign that you’re taking risks; you’re doing it right.
4. Don’t worry about getting it right: If you’re in a scene or an improv game, don’t fret about the rules. Just play. Keep going. There is no “right” way to play.
5. Don’t self-censor: Trust your instincts, be obvious, and go for it.
6. Give up some control: You don’t have to know the outcome before you start; the important thing is to get started.

And with just a few minor alterations—presto, change-o, a recipe for life:

1. Be Present:  “Life is available only in the present moment.” – Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh

–          Remember, fear, worry, and regret are just signals that you’re not in the moment. Pay attention to these emotions and use them as wake-up calls to return to the present.

1. Take Risks: Without risk, you’re not stretching yourself. “People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

3. Embrace Failure: Take a big failure bow and know that this is just a sign that you’re taking risks; you’re doing it right.
4. Don’t worry about getting it right: There is no set way to play this game we call life. Just play. Keep going. “Because you are alive, everything is possible.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
5. Don’t self-censor: Trust your instincts. Go for it. “You are not an observer, you are a participant.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
6. Give up some control: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr. (a Zen Master in disguise)

So take these rules of improv and apply them to your life. Be present. Take risks. And most importantly, have some fun.

Guest writer, Natalie Grigson writes a weekly column on spiritualty for BeyondChron and is a proud student of Merlin Works Improv in Austin, Texas.