Zen-prov! Improv Classes

Well hello, there! My name is Dr. Matthew Goodman. I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, consultant, and mindfulness teacher. I’m also the founder of this wonderful and weird improv space you’ve came across—Zen-prov! You may be wondering why and how this mash up of improv and Zen came to be. If so… read on!

I have been teaching meditation for 10+ years to children and adults across a variety of settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, schools), and have been a meditation practitioner for much longer. At age 22, I lived and practiced in a Zen Buddhist monastery. But my path has not been all “sunshine and rainbows.” Like many others I have come across, meditation has not always been the most suitable practice for me at certain times in my life; while I have always felt committed to “the path,” meditation did not always serve me in the ways I was hoping for. I often found myself adapting my practice or taking a pause altogether. Many people I talk to find meditation unbearable, unappealing, or or simply downright difficult (which it can be). Yet so many people also yearn to be present in life and are searching for ways to do so. This has never been more true, as we contend with the addictive nature of technology and the increasing pace of life. So many of us feel overwhelmed but don’t know how to find greater presence, self-compassion, and connection.

Several years ago, as a graduate student, I started taking improv classes. To be honest, I did it more for performance purposes; I had always been interested in comedy (sketch, stand-up) and even thought about pursuing this in lieu of my clinical psychology training. But as I started taking classes, I noticed several other significant benefits: I was able to stay more present in conversations with people. I was more spontaneous, playful, and joyful. I was more confident and less inhibited and self-critical (which, as an introvert, was very welcomed).

I continued my improv journey over the years, studying at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, and continued to reap the psychological, emotional, and social benefits. Over time, I started seeing improv as a beautiful, engaging, fun (it’s so much fun!), and powerful expression of Zen. I began teaching “improv for anxiety” classes online and in person, weaving in lots of mindfulness exercises and group reflection, before developing what is now “Zen-prov!—a way to connect with others, be silly, let go of stress, and work towards your own personal growth goals.

My hope is that through this class, you not only find a sense of community, connection, and solidarity—and laugh your butt off while doing so—but that you’re also able to begin training your mind to be more present, less judgmental, more flexible and spontaneous, and more open to the unexpected gifts of life.