When is the right time to act or to speak?

So much of being skillful with life is getting in rhythm with one’s self and one’s surroundings. In Monster Baby #85, Ted and Lisa explore bunches of angles on timing. The episode starts with a game Lisa recently learned (3:06) and a recap of the recent apocalyptic day in the San Francisco Bay Area (8:04). Lisa wonders about the timing of all these grand large-scale happenings (13:33) and Ted notices that they all have to do with being able to breathe (15:39). Drawing on one of his hobbies, Ted pulls in a glimpse of astrological timing (17:50) and Lisa then introduces the notion of “beats” in improv (17:50). The pair consider the need to stay ready to pivot in real life (30:21) and Ted talks about Patsy Rodenburg’s Second Circle and the idea of moving and speaking in alignment with the breath (35:28). Ted mentions proper timing in a Quaker Meeting setting (43:33) and Lisa distinguishes between timing and inspiration (46:14). Both consider the idea of timing in personal relationships—or is it knowing? (48:35)—and whether we should measure proper timing by moments or by duration (52:01). Ted wonders about the heartbeat as a measure of timing (59:40) and nods to the notion of timing as part of Right Speech in Buddhism (1:02:20). Lisa suggests that not knowing might be an indicator that the time isn’t yet right (1:04:35) and adds another distinction: timeliness versus preparedness (1:08:33).

If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at [email protected].

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And lastly, if you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)