The Art of Is

Improvising as a Way of Life

By: Stephen Nachmanovitch

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 7 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

A critically acclaimed musician and teacher presents a guide to the dynamics of improvisation.

It's easy to assume that Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous and endlessly influential "I Have a Dream" speech was scripted beforehand, vetted by others, written, and rewritten. It was not. Instead, it was given on the fly, when from the audience, singer Mahalia Jackson urged King off his prepared text. The result has inspired millions.

The Art of Is contains breath-of-fresh-air thinking about how to cultivate the kind of game-changing creativity everyone seeks. Stephen Nachmanovitch shows exactly how the passion and immediacy of improvisation can be cultivated and how, in fact, we all improvise all the time - whether we are driving or deep in conversation. He explores ideas about being in the moment and reacting to people as they are, finding gold in unexpected distractions and roadblocks, and not only accepting, but also celebrating imperfections in everyday practices. This creative mindfulness also makes innovation the province not of solitary geniuses, but the result of engagement and interaction - and makes clear that improvising, creating, and innovating are only of value when rooted in an ethical and social foundation. The results, Nachmanovitch shows, foster meaningful change and invention - and may just ignite a dream.

©2019 Stephen Nachmanovitch (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Genius, Inspirational, life affirming

Improvisation as an antidote to our individual and collective suffering. Filled with mind blowing examples from many cultures and time periods. Highly Recommended

Amazing work

I went into this book not knowing what to expect and received way more than I expected. A thoroughly “interesting” read, lots of philosophical questions and thoughts regarding how the present state of “is” is so much more than what we think. If you enjoy philosophical works and puzzling your mind about, you’ll love this one!

Beautiful!

Philosophies to live by, great common sense ideas. He put words to what I feel and has a wonderful way of illuminating connections between art and life. Loved it!!!!

Amazing!!

Loved it!!! Also check out his book:
Free Play
It’s every bit as good :)
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

INTERESTING

An interesting read. Learned a few things I did not know previously. Read it now!

An Art on it's own right

This work is an Art on it's own right. The simplicity of the thinking is quite common place & logical, that it feels very natural. Simply brilliant

Book about art, improvisation and awearness

I didn't expect this book to be so deep! Wrote by a musician, step by step it shows you the great meaning behind the word art. The author teaches us to enjoy every moment of our life, and some Buddhist inspiration is clearly visible here. The nature of improvisation is another great part of the book. Stephen Nachmanovitch support his ideas with great stories. This book is very insightful and at the same time entertaining. Strongly recommend!

What is this even about???

Made it all the way to chapter 6, the author has said nothing up to this point. This is not a book on improvising as a way of life, this is a jumbled collection of thoughts and stories from the author.

So profound

This book speaks so poignantly to my work, even though it never mentions my career in specific terms. It is a wonderful read.

Perfect book….

Great writing , message , narration , and a perfect book for these imperfect times . Highly recommended and free to boot .

Book of the century

#MustRead #MustListen

His insights spans across culture. Music and brings about absolute understanding that everyone should at least give themselves and our world a chance.

Wow wow

not that bad

I would say there is sam bad parts but other than that very usefull book, recomend for anyone that is not sitting at home and farting in couch.