Thanks for this excellent essay Lou. I love Dr Brown's idea that play cannot be defined as an action but by how it makes us feel. This makes it feel easier for me to pull off🤣as I'm not naturally great at bringing play into my life. You are right that those days we likely need it the most are when it's the hardest to lean into the fun stuff so this is an excellent nudge to play more.
You're welcome, Donna. I'm also having to change how I look at play because I've fallen into the trap of "everything has to have a purpose" or a "why" — which made everything soooo serious. 🤦🏻♀️ But I'm working on just playing because... joy!
This really gets to the heart of what we talked about on the podcast, Lou. I’m always impressed by your ability to contextualize big, fuzzy ideas in your writing. Personally, my quest to incorporate more playfulness daily has boosted my happiness quotient even on the days when I feel heavy. Thank you for this! Love you!
Thank you so much for this timely post and reminder, my friend. It is easy to fall into "doing" when life feels hard and heavy, particularly when paired with anxiety. My mind tells me that I'm "grounding."
At times like those, though, play gets pushed to the back burner. Play sometimes feels "irreverent" and "inappropriate." The reminder comes in the idea that it is needed even more.
Play is a light energy. It can assist us in moving up the emotional guidance scale. Maybe not all the way to joy, but in heavy times, every little bit is an improvement. Moving up helps us to better connect with our Inner Being, Spirit, and angels, and that's when miracles again become possible. 🥰😇
I hear what you said about play feeling inappropriate at times. I get that and have thought that way, too. I think what changed my mind about it is by reframing it as "giving my brain and nervous system a break". Then, maybe I just watch a favorite Friends episode, or go for a walk, or chat with a friend who'd laugh with me. It's that light energy that you were talking about! Cheers, Dawna! 🤗
I also have an intention of more play in 2025. I was SO serious in 2024. I honestly have to learn how to play again — as an adult, just me. Because I’m now a mother with kids who are grown ass adults and play is no longer about making my kids happy. Huge metamorphosis unfolding around this.
I hear you! I'm thinking I'm all good with the "meaning and purpose" side of the house. I now need to pay more attention to the fun and play side! Cheers, Shawn and here's wishing you all the best for the new year! 🥂
Oh, I love that you bring in the play personalities. I find them so interesting, especially when we do the work to identify which personalities work in concert with each other. I'm a weird combination between the director and the explorer. And it has led to some interesting experiences for me. And random stress during play. Haha!
Thank you for your note about my writing and publication. I am beyond humbled. Thank you for the shout out. It truly meant a lot to me.
Since I teach test prep, I sometimes tell students to 'gamify' the learning process because games are their love language! But it's something I definitely could remember to do myself especially for tasks I don't want to do! Thanks, Lou, for another thought-provoking post.
A friend of mine does something similar. He tries to gamify everything; says it turns everything fun. I can't relate. 😂 Which just goes to show the power of these personalities! Cheers, Lani! 🤗
Thanks for this excellent essay Lou. I love Dr Brown's idea that play cannot be defined as an action but by how it makes us feel. This makes it feel easier for me to pull off🤣as I'm not naturally great at bringing play into my life. You are right that those days we likely need it the most are when it's the hardest to lean into the fun stuff so this is an excellent nudge to play more.
You're welcome, Donna. I'm also having to change how I look at play because I've fallen into the trap of "everything has to have a purpose" or a "why" — which made everything soooo serious. 🤦🏻♀️ But I'm working on just playing because... joy!
Joy is good!
This really gets to the heart of what we talked about on the podcast, Lou. I’m always impressed by your ability to contextualize big, fuzzy ideas in your writing. Personally, my quest to incorporate more playfulness daily has boosted my happiness quotient even on the days when I feel heavy. Thank you for this! Love you!
I always love our conversations... always makes me think and feel better about life in general! You already know you are my personal PLAY czar 🤗
Thank you so much for this timely post and reminder, my friend. It is easy to fall into "doing" when life feels hard and heavy, particularly when paired with anxiety. My mind tells me that I'm "grounding."
At times like those, though, play gets pushed to the back burner. Play sometimes feels "irreverent" and "inappropriate." The reminder comes in the idea that it is needed even more.
Play is a light energy. It can assist us in moving up the emotional guidance scale. Maybe not all the way to joy, but in heavy times, every little bit is an improvement. Moving up helps us to better connect with our Inner Being, Spirit, and angels, and that's when miracles again become possible. 🥰😇
Thank you, again, my dear friend! 💖
I hear what you said about play feeling inappropriate at times. I get that and have thought that way, too. I think what changed my mind about it is by reframing it as "giving my brain and nervous system a break". Then, maybe I just watch a favorite Friends episode, or go for a walk, or chat with a friend who'd laugh with me. It's that light energy that you were talking about! Cheers, Dawna! 🤗
Oooh! I really like that! "...reframing it as 'giving my brain and nervous system a break'." 🥰 Thank you!
I also have an intention of more play in 2025. I was SO serious in 2024. I honestly have to learn how to play again — as an adult, just me. Because I’m now a mother with kids who are grown ass adults and play is no longer about making my kids happy. Huge metamorphosis unfolding around this.
I hear you! I'm thinking I'm all good with the "meaning and purpose" side of the house. I now need to pay more attention to the fun and play side! Cheers, Shawn and here's wishing you all the best for the new year! 🥂
I literally just had this conversation the other day! Someone pointed out to me that there are non-hobbies thing that stil be countered as "play".
True! The other day, I found myself coloring - like a coloring book, of all things! But it was fun and felt very much like I was playing.
Oh, I love that you bring in the play personalities. I find them so interesting, especially when we do the work to identify which personalities work in concert with each other. I'm a weird combination between the director and the explorer. And it has led to some interesting experiences for me. And random stress during play. Haha!
Thank you for your note about my writing and publication. I am beyond humbled. Thank you for the shout out. It truly meant a lot to me.
The Exploring Director ... or is it The Directing Explorer 😂 I love your work and am more than happy to be able to give a shout-out! Cheers!
Since I teach test prep, I sometimes tell students to 'gamify' the learning process because games are their love language! But it's something I definitely could remember to do myself especially for tasks I don't want to do! Thanks, Lou, for another thought-provoking post.
A friend of mine does something similar. He tries to gamify everything; says it turns everything fun. I can't relate. 😂 Which just goes to show the power of these personalities! Cheers, Lani! 🤗