Disappearing Musical Chairs (Patreon)

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Let's do some improv and build our imagination, courage to play, and movement confidence.

In this game, you'll walk or jog in a circle like musical chairs. But instead of actual chairs, you'll use your imagination. Here's the twist: whenever you go to sit, the imaginary chair disappears. You'll land softly on the ground instead.

You can use music as your cue, have a partner clap, or choose your own timing. But not knowing when it's coming is probably best to keep you present.

Remember LMA's concept of wu wei: the transfer of energy and restoring of ease. As you land, release that kinetic energy through a sharp exhalation.

Start slow. Only speed up as much as you can stay in control. Don't let your head touch the ground. Think of your head and chin like a clamshell. Keep the clamshell closed and healthy. An open clamshell is a sign of danger.

Since you are sitting before you land, you are already closer to the ground before impact. To soften your landing even further, sit lower before rolling onto your back or side. Rise back up while acknowledging the ground, then go again.

If you keep getting up without facing the ground, your legs and knees will burn out. Facing and engaging with the ground while getting up relies less on brute force and is a more accessible way to get up. As long as there is land and gravity, we are ground-based movers. I invite you to move in a way that doesn't deny the ground beneath you.

What differentiates a soft landing from a crash landing is control. If you freeze, you'll crash. If you stay composed, you can adjust on the fly—turning a fall into a softer landing. The more at ease you are, the faster and clearer your decisions become. Disappearing musical chairs is a playful way to get used to falling without thinking about falling. Constantly engaging with the ground will make the ground feel like home—because it is.

Improv, like Wayfinding, builds the ability to adapt in the moment. It also nurtures personal growth through play. In LMA, play isn't a reward for growth—it is the practice.

– Sam