How often do you take time out of your day to play?
Is this a strange question, after all, for us adults life is full of demands, schedules, meetings, responsibilities – where does play fit in with all of that?
Sometimes our lives are so full to the brim with grown up seriousness we forget to see the lighter side of life.
But play is such a great tool for letting go, for remembering to laugh, for feeling joyful , for relaxing and for unleashing our creativity.
I met a man on at a Laughter session this year who told me that after a busy day at work, whatever his mood, he dances down the steps on his way to the car and it never fails to lift his spirits . What an inspiration!
I have a tendency to prance around the kitchen to loud music, hairbrush in hand, pretending I am Madonna, performing somewhat out of tune but with great gusto. Singing out loud in the car/ shower/Sussex countryside makes me feel alive and ready for anything.It brings out the playful side of me, the side that never wants to grow up.
Silly walks, talking in comical voices, pulling faces and outrageous dancing are only some of the ways to let more fun and joy into life.Some people find joy in gardening, sailing, climbing Everest, washing up and having soap sud bubble battles or pillow fights. Whatever makes you feel younger than 8 years old is always a good starting point for play.
As the wonderful Robert Holden says:-
“Being silly is not silly; being silly is a first step to being free.”
We often delay fun and laughter until we have washed the dog, emptied the dishwasher, written the report, won X-factor…….but what about right NOW?
Stop everything and just become aware of your breathing. Begin to feel a warm, slow smile start to grow in your tummy, spreading love and warmth around your body. Allow yourself to connect with this feeling and feel it spreading like melting butter up to your mouth and eyes, until it spreads into a humungous smile across your face. Now give me the biggest, cheesiest chuckle imaginable.
Let me know your ideas for putting a spring in your step, a glow in your heart and a silly grin on your face…..I would love to hear them!
Yours playfully,
Lisa x
