This Sense-ational Life is a blogging series that explores the senses as a way of cultivating a more mindful, connected way of life.
Sense of Playfulness
When I was in 8th grade, I started taking theatre and never wanted to stop. I realized it was a way to play and still get credit in school. What a no-brainer! As I got older, I found ways to keep that connection to play. I took jobs that allowed me to play and get paid for it. And eventually became a kind of play leader for other adults.
Here is a list of a few playful jobs I have had….
A Way of Life
Playfulness has become a way of life for me. It is how I socialize, how I practice self-love, a medicine when I am down or sick, an outlet for what wishes to be expressed in me, and even a way for me to embody my spirituality. Bringing it so fully into my life has taken work. Yah, that’s right. I had to work at remembering to play. As kids, it comes with the territory. But over time we lose our sense of playfulness and replace it with the roles and responsibilities of adulthood. I would like to invite you to connect with your sense of playfulness this week, include both subtle and overt play. Try an old favorite like blowing bubbles or something new like a 30 second dance party. Do it by yourself or with others by inciting random, unexpected playfulness. Create a playfulness on the go kit that includes some art supplies, a joke book, a few toys, or some kind of novelty item.
Cultivate your Relationship with Play
Try one or more of these journaling prompts to boost your play-ability.
- Ask Play, “In what ways do I discourage you in my life?”
- List 10 or more ways you can incorporate play into your home life.
- Brainstorm with your family how you could all enjoy more play.
- Write a letter to yourself that gives you permission to play more.
I would love to hear about your Sense of Playfulness. I invite you to write a post about playfulness and paste the address in the linky below. Make sure to link to this post in yours so others can discover their own path to playfulness.