Last month I had the opportunity to co-host the first-ever Beach*Prov, a seaside improv weekend for women, in my adopted hometown of St. Augustine, Florida. I had piles of tourist information ready. I had plans to show retreat attendees every inch of cobblestone in the downtown area. And, I had all the area restaurants scouted and ready.
And then the weekend arrived and something strange happened …
The women didn’t use the tourist information. They touched only a few cobblestones. And, there was no debating restaurants as every offer was received with, “Yes, let’s …”
While it’s true that this was a lovely group of positive women ready to go with the flow, it was also true that what they really craved was each other. Most of the weekend was spent in the beach cottage where everyone enjoyed breakfast, practiced laughter yoga, experienced improv playshops, drank wine, played board games, laughed and participated in other retreat activities – together. While the beach was lovely and the town was charming, the ladies really embraced playing and connecting and leaning in to the shared experiences that were unfolding under the roof that served as Beach*Prov’s home base.
Why?
All smiles after an improv playshop at Beach*Prov in St. Augustine
Because a simple game – whether it’s a board game or an improv game – has the power to connect people from five states faster than sunbathing, sightseeing or walking through the historic city center. And, a shared event – whether it’s two hours or two days – means separating from normal existence and entering into a new space that can only be understood by those present and participating in the experience. When people come together to be fully immersed in the “now” of an event, it has the power to be a transformational experience.
Sound dramatic?
Think about summer camp, a music festival or even an improv class. New realities are created in these conditions and only the people who have participated in them with you can fully understand – and appreciate – how special and unique it is to be there. Think about it. Have you ever tried to explain how an experience was after you’ve returned from one? Remember your last travel adventure. Now try explaining that to someone who asks, “How was your adventure?” Only the participants can ever completely appreciate what happened. That’s part of the reason why we get the blues when we come home – we miss the people who were engaged with us.
Time out on Vilano Beach for a big “YES” to more shared experiences like Beach*Prov!
People experiencing the same event, in the same space, at the same time are the same – meaning everyone is equal. It doesn’t matter how someone spends his or her days at home because here, in the sacred shared experience space, everyone is coming together as part of a unique group activity. Want a great example? Think about what happened in The Breakfast Club. Different worlds, same space, same time, same experience and we, as viewers, are bonded with those characters forever as we feel as if we were with them that day in detention.
No matter how short or small, an event has the power to be an experience if the attendees fully participate, find meaning and form relationships while they are together. More meaningful experiences mean a more meaningful life. And, isn’t that what we all want whether we’re athletes, brains, princesses, basket cases or criminals?
PLAYSHOP: Improv Hangout
Play improv games, build community, make a toast and also make some new friends as The Adventure Project kicks off a monthly opportunity to play – no improv experience needed!
Sunday, May 1st, 6 to 8 p.m.
Limelight Theatre (St. Augustine, FL)
PLAYSHOP: Laughter Yoga
Enjoy a mind-body combination of laughter exercises, deep breathing and relaxation techniques to enhance your health — and happiness. No down dogs required!
Wednesdays in May, 6 – 7 pm
Jewish Community Alliance (Jacksonville, FL)
