How can you play if your string is too tight or too slack? Finding the right amount of tension matters hugely: in improv, in mindfulness, and in life. Along those lines, Ted and Lisa mine a moment of tension from the last podcast episode (1:48) before drawing on some wisdom from the worlds of astrology and Buddhism (8:09). Lisa explains how her impulse to preserve freedom and protect love have helped her deal with tension with a performer colleague (10:57) and we get the first of several banana bread interludes in this episode (15:51). Ted revisits the Matrix Leadership model as way for interpreting tension as a gift (17:27) and Lisa puts forward the value of slowing down in the face of tense situations (22:26). In the spirit of letting the tension build for positive effect (25:46), Lisa takes another banana bread break (28:28) before we hear about her Xmas decorations (and before we get a groaner of a pun from Ted (29:29). One last baking interruption (34:25) presages a review of whether the extra juice of tension between performers helps or hurts an improv scene (35:03). Ted identifies some fundamental tensions in the world of mindfulness (38:34) and how he uses “Boom Boom Balloon” and other tools to help his students stay present whenever tension ramps up (42:49). Lisa brings in insights from the world of the Enneagram (49:13) and the episode draws to a close with a few valuable questions to ask whenever tensions get high. (56:03) If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at [email protected]. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. Maybe you’d like to put some “presence” under your holiday tree? If so, consider giving Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness, and sharing the joy and wisdom of these two worlds in tandem. To order, please visit www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign a copy for you! )