Social interaction involves a delicate dance of energy. Conversation is more than the exchange of words, ideas, and outlooks — it is play.

The extent of your capacity for playful receptivity (and assertiveness) is thus, to a large degree, the extent of your social enjoyment.

Do you wish for greater openness? This email is for those who do. And there are many ways you can work on opening.

1. If you find that you assert yourself with relative ease, yet nonetheless feel disconnected, you can practice intensive awareness of your social environment. Concentrate all your energy on the expressions of others, the tones of their voices, their interactions as they take place. Concentrate profoundly, and observe very, very intensely. And watch what happens.

2. To the extent, on the other hand, you suffer shyness, you can begin to express your impulses more quickly and unthinkingly. Recognize that your impulses are information, and are time-specific; if you don't act on an impulse immediately, it goes out of date. Make a list of the worst possible consequences of acting on social impulse, and practice Dr. Seuss meditation (described on the left).

3. If you want a structure for learning playful receptivity and assertiveness, attend a beginning improv acting class. There is ONLY ONE prerequisite for successful learning in such a class: a willingness to feel awkward. (In LA, we recommend Impro Theatre.)

4. If you want a therapeutic path of social learning, consider group therapy. You can experiment at your own pace, and receive valuable social feedback that will lead to more meaningful social engagement. (Email us for referrals.)

In summary, if you wish to expand your capacity for social play, turn on the music, dance, and celebrate your good fortune. You can learn and practice.

And these are just several of the infinite ways.