Gaining Perspective’s Kerstin Caldwell uses Improvisation to teach individuals, students, and classroom teachers and school leaders how to be more self aware, at any age and under any circumstance. In her workshops and trainings, participants use play to return to a place within themselves where intuition—not the brain—rules what happens next. She helps you get out of your head and listen to your heart. You learn how to enter a space of playfulness and joy instead of living with anxious, habitual fear and stress.

Men and women who lack confidence, feel they don’t fit in or are going through a major life change like divorce, a new job or losing a parent find this work particularly helpful. Students who struggle with anxiety, lack focus or have difficulty expressing themselves develop habits that help them manage distractions and regulate their emotions. Teachers and school leaders under increasing levels of stress develop strategies for remaining focused and calm in the midst of chaos.

As children we fell in line with society’s expectation that if we don’t play by the rules, we won’t be loved. We lost confidence and started believing that we have no power. What if this isn’t true? What if it’s possible to reconnect with the super hero inside of you?

Through play, participants learn how to be fully present and alive in the moment. Playing leads to insights you can’t access when you’re stuck in your head. These insights are the jewels of becoming more self aware. You see where fear is tripping you up.

You gain perspective as you learn to reframe your approach to each perceived hardship or obstacle. The approach works with your spouse or partner, with students, and with children, friends, and colleagues. You make better choices about where and how you spend your time and energy. Your behavior is focused and intentional. You learn that it’s ok to be who you were born to be.

Play takes you out of your head and into something more authentic and present. It’s impossible to see what’s causing a problem from the inside, but play a game and you begin to see the behaviors you’ve chosen in order to be accepted. You see how you try to be the person you think others want you to be and abandon the person you were born to be.