Windstorm (Patreon)

• If you’re new to LMA, start with our table of contents

Let's do some improv and play-acting.

In this activity, you're pretending to be a mo-cap (motion capture) actor doing motion capture for a windstorm. A strong, consistent gust of wind is pushing you around and knocking you down. But don't let your head touch the ground. Think of your chest and chin as a clamshell; keep the shell closed for protection.

If you are resisting the wind, you'll want to stay low to the ground so you're harder to topple. You're also closer to the ground for your landings. If you want to challenge yourself, you can stand taller—however, you can still sit or bend into your landing to shorten the distance from the ground.

Remember LMA's concept of wu wei: the transfer of energy and restoring of ease. As the wind knocks you down, release air through a sharp exhalation as you land or roll. Land with softness and adaptability. Get back up and play again. After a while, getting up and doing it again is the hardest part. That's metaphoric for life.

• The first scenario is a wind tunnel: a steady blast pushing you in one direction.

• The second scenario is a tornado: a swirling force knocking you unpredictably—shift directions, spiral, and roll.

• The third scenario is partner-assisted: If practicing with someone else, they can pretend to be a mo-cap animator in a body suit acting as the wind, gently pushing and guiding you.

– Sam