What to do with discomfort?

We all feel stress sometimes. A little noodge. A joint out of whack. A bump in the wheel. In Monster Baby episode #90, Ted and Lisa explore what mindfulness and improvisation have to teach us about gettin’ (at least a bit more) comfortable with that discomfort.

The pair kick off by discussing the “elephant in the room” of Lisa’s upcoming birth (2:14). Lisa shares what brought her to the topic of discomfort (7:46) and then explores whether there’s a sweet spot for a level of discomfort—and whether improv helps us find that spot (12:57). Lisa mentions her default response to discomfort on state (16:57) and Ted chimes in with his—and also recounts when he most often feels uncomfortable (19:43). They note together that sometimes there’s not a fix for what ails us (23:02) and Ted shares an interesting activity for finding resourcefulness we may already have within (26:35). Lisa finds it can be helpful to imagine a worst-case scenario and Ted notes that, even then, we still have choice in the matter (32:02). After remembering the useful tool of “this is just a chapter in a longer story,” Lisa recounts a visit with her future self (35:13). The episode closes with a note how both improv and mindfulness teach us to focus on the “how” and not the “what” when resolving discomfort (40:44) and with a silly new improv game that Ted came up with recently (43:53).

If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write Ted and Lisa at info@monsterbabypodcast.com.

To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.

And lastly, if you’d like a bit of Monster-Baby-inspired reading, slide on over to www.playfulmindfulness.info to pick up a copy of Ted’s book Playful Mindfulness: a joyful journey to everyday confidence, calm, and connection. (Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)