First- this is from Contact Improv in Berkeley. Earlier this week, I found myself joining a warm and generous group of dancers in this beautiful Finnish Hall. There were maybe 50 people, but I snapped a quick picture before most arrived.  As a windy rainy storm raged outside, we shared weight and stories that only the body can tell. I left feeling so alive and aware. Thank you C.I. Berkeley

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As I walked back to the train I got to thinking of the third agreement of Theatre of the Oppressed Philly: speak your truth.

After one T.O. workshop, my friend Hariprasad asked me a question about my interest in T.O.  I answered with words, as one often does in conversation but in this case, my body language said something different than my words. Hariprasad called me on the contradiction and I learned a valuable lesson. 

I tend to rely on words. Even if I draw pictures, I often use words. My head is full of words. Contact Improv is an opportunity for me to get into my body instead of replying on my words. T.O. is a happy mix for me between body and words. 

Of course, speak your truth, frequently refers to speaking for yourself, drawing on your own experience and not speaking for other people. These are all true and important as well but I wanted to share my realization as well.