February 23, 2020-The Power of Play
This past week has been a maelstrom of necessary chores to complete a lengthy to-do list, before we leave on a week’s vacation. As the departure time grew near, I found myself becoming stressed about all that needed to be done and questioning whether or not we should be even going. These concerns added fuel to the worry fire and began to chip away at my excitement for our trip. Trying to accomplish all I needed to do left little time for relaxing. To say I became a “tad cranky” is an understatement.
During this same time period, I’ve also been participating in a 21 day meditation challenge online with Deepak Chopra and Oprah, which offers daily inspirational thoughts and guided meditation practice. I have found in the past this experience to be very calming and helpful in focusing my intentions for the day. https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience#_=_
Yesterday, I had to smile when I read the message and daily centering thought:
“As long as we remain open to new possibilities and a willingness to escape our routines, we can enjoy lifelong creativity. Letting go opens the door to new discoveries and enables us to feel truly alive. Enjoy opportunities to explore without outside opinions or artificial boundaries. Do those things that make time disappear and witness the boundless joy that flows to you.”
Deepak Chopra
This poignant message made me realize once again, how important it is to maintain the balance of work, rest and play. Too often the routine of daily responsibilities and work limit the possibilities of making time to have fun.
I decided to reexamine the “to-do’s”, reprioritize, and put the rest on the back burner for when we get back. Three questions helped to declutter the ever growing list: “What was absolutely necessary? , “What could wait?” and “what could I let go?”
As a result, the list was shortened and my stress level greatly diminished.
In thinking about how to foster rest and play on our vacation I’ve decided to leave my laptop behind, and instead pack a sketch book, watercolors, binoculars, books I want to read and my camera. All pursuits that bring me joy. I hope to come back rested, recharged and reinspired.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES ON PLAY
In searching for quotes on the importance of play I found once again wise advice from throughout the ages. Play, is a powerful tool, that can bring back a sense of excitement, happiness and rejuvenation.
“Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.”
Douglas Pagels
“Sometimes when we take a break, we may find that solutions then present themselves.”
Catherine Pulsifer
A person’s maturity consists in having found again the seriousness one had as a child, at play.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” –
Diane Ackerman
“Whoever wants to understand much must play much.” –
Gottfried Benn
“The true object of all human life is play.” –
G. K. Chesterton
“In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.” –
Friedrich Nietzsche
“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. “
Kahlil Gibran
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” -C
arl Jung
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” –
Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” –
Abraham Maslow
