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We become so serious as adults. Seriously.
I mean, as a kid don't you remember how fun it was to go out and play? I think it's one of the reasons I love exercise so much. It reminds me of what it was like to play. Moving in ways that seem silly or creating a challenging game with my workouts can definitely put me in a more playful mood and shake off some of the seriousness that can squash our sense of exploration and curiosity. Finding a hobby, a sport or activity that incorporates the element of play helps you to tap into your creativity, your happiness and your sense of adventure. Aside from the many brain boosting benefits of learning something new, play helps you get out of your own way, out of your head and into your heart. Adulting can definitely be a buzz kill when it comes to all the "responsibilities" that brings. Bills, work, family, relationships, health, parenting, caregiving...the list goes on. It doesn't all have to be so serious, though.
What if we just took a time out to play our way through the day? When we embody a playful energy it ignites the spark of Joy in our hearts, and my friends, Joy is the key to unlocking your transformation. Joy taps into your creative potential, your life force energy and opens you up to be in the flow. Joy is an exalted emotion and is one of the highest frequency energies you can hold measuring 700+Hz. This is what raising your vibration is all about.
So let's play a little game, then, shall we? Whenever you find yourself getting "too serious" and it blocks your creativity, your discovery of the present moment, bring a little play into your day. Don't be afraid to be awkward, goofy or plain ridiculous. It's good for you to be a newbie once in awhile. It is freeing to give your self permission not to be the expert. To simply experience your self in new and exciting ways. Case in point, In the last two weeks I have stepped out of my comfort zone and tried some new things, a fitness adventure of sorts. Last week, I went to the driving range with my husband. For those of you who know me, know this. I am not a golfer. I just wanted to spend some time with my husband doing something he loves. This is only the second time in the 21 years we have been together that I've gone to the range with him, so yeah, I am not a lover of golf. In the past, I was embarrassed by my skill, focused on other things, it was my husband's "thing" not mine, and a million other excuses why I hadn't gone with him before. But I was in the mood to shake things up and play.
You know what? We had a blast. I surprised us both. I wasn't as terrible at it as I imagined. I actually made contact and hit the ball pretty well. I'll admit I was surprised. Probably, because I wasn't in my head. I joked and told him it was the Pilates that made the difference this go round. and maybe he should give it a try. I wasn't there to crush any records or impress anyone. John is an extremely patient teacher. I was simply in the moment. The first shot was a miss. John gave me a few tips and boom. Contact. Again. And Again. Not bad. We laughed and had some fun.
Today, I went to a class at Rockbox. Basically it's a HIIT Boxing workout. My friend and colleague Davita invited me. And I said "Sure! Why the hell not?" I had never done anything like it before and I was a little intimidated to say the least. But I went anyway. It had been a hot minute since my heart rate touched those zones. It felt so good to test my strength, feel strong, and laugh at myself along the way. The combos were hard. I was out of breath a lot, had to take breaks, even felt like I might puke a couple of times but I did it. Even got a new nickname "Fancy" out of the experience. Backround...When we were asked what sports we played as a kid, I said "No sports. I danced." The response from the crowd, "Hmmm, ok. You Fancy!" Hahahaha! I'll take it. Fancy it is.
I left both experiences surprised. By getting out of my own way, trying something new, inviting the element of play into my process, I stepped into joy. The joy of doing something with my partner, the joy of experiencing the strength of my body, the joy of being a newbie, the joy of self-discovery.
It doesn't have to be golf or boxing. You get my drift. Just play. Play with your dog, your kids, your spouse...Nothing competitive, mind you. Something you can do just for the simple joy of it. Tap into some play. It's the gateway to Joy. Tag...You're it!
Shine Bright~
Jill
