Once upon a time, when you were six years old, you were really good at these activities.....
- summersaults over and over again in forward motion followed by attempting backwards summersaults
- plunking on a piano as loud as you wanted
- playing hide and seek and giggling the whole time you were hiding
This past weekend we had friends over for dinner and they brought their six-year old boy. It's been a while since we've had six-year old energy in the house and I found him a joy. His mind and body were completely engaged the entire night as he went from one activity to another.
Playtime is still important for us big kids. Our social selves have gotten in the way of our playful selves and blocked out the part of us that feels free to simply be:
- The part that doesn't care a hoot or a toot about how others see us.
- The part of us that is curious about trying something and doesn't stop short with doubts and fears.
- The part of us that moves towards anything that grabs our delight
Playtime = a place for your mind to be free for a while. Don't we all need a break from our minds?
This week add playtime to your schedule. Here's how:
1. Cross off one (or more) activities/appointments that you don't really want to do. Or replace a habit you spend time on like checking your email every 30 minutes with something playful.
2. Now pause. Breathe.
3. What were some of your favorite childhood games/activities?
4. Now go.
I'm getting my bike out now to ride no-handed and I've already got a smile on my face. Leave a comment and let me know how you played this week.
