Will You Please Grow Up
Welcome to my corner of the internet where we dive into the vibrant world of living fully, embracing the moment, and transforming the mundane into magical. Today, we're venturing into a realm where growing up isn't mandatory, and where the joy of living is our true guide. Let's set sail on this journey of full-impact mindfulness and explore how to live a technicolor life without definitive expectations.
The Call to Adventure and Why You Should Stay Young at Heart: "Will you please grow up?" "Act your age!" Sounds familiar, right? We've all been there—trying to inject a little fun into our daily grind, only to be met with these age-old admonishments. But here's a thought: what if staying playful isn't just for kids? What if it's the secret to a richer, more vibrant life?
I've always believed in the power of playfulness. It's not about refusing to grow up; it's about maintaining that spark of curiosity and excitement that makes life an adventure. For those who resonate with Peter Pan or fancy themselves as pirates rather than joining the navy, you're in the right place. This is where we embrace the world of full-impact mindfulness—living loudly, boldly, and with infectious enthusiasm.
Living on the Light Side and the Art of Playful Living: In our daily lives, we often encounter people who seem to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Everything feels heavy, serious, and draining. Dealing with such energies can be stressful, sapping our own vibrancy. That's why adopting a playful approach to life isn't just fun; it's necessary. It helps us navigate through life's challenges with a lighter heart and a smile, turning a potentially stressful encounter into a moment of joy.
Walking through life playfully is like applying for a loan you don't need—it's liberating! It involves looking at life as a game where the stakes aren't life and death, but opportunities for joy and discovery. This light-heartedness doesn't mean we shirk our responsibilities. Instead, it means we handle them with grace, turning even the mundane—like waiting in a line—into a chance to explore, imagine, and make the most of every moment.
The Four Faces of Playfulness: Playfulness can manifest in several ways, each enriching our experience of life in unique aspects:
Other-Directed Playfulness: This is about being light-hearted and jovial with others. It's choosing not to delve into serious discussions when simple joys can be shared.
Light-Heartedness: This approach makes life a playful adventure, where every day brings new possibilities to explore.
Intellectual Playfulness: Here, we turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. This could be as simple as finding intrigue in routine tasks or transforming waiting time into an opportunity to engage with our surroundings creatively.
Whimsical Playfulness: Ever watched the clouds and seen shapes form before your eyes? This type of playfulness invites us to observe life, notice its absurdities, and enjoy its simple pleasures without judgment or haste.
The Power of a Beginner's Mind: Embracing playfulness also means welcoming a 'beginner's mind'—an attitude of openness and eagerness to learn, reminiscent of a child's curiosity. In a beginner’s mind, there are endless possibilities. Whether it's reimagining a well-trod path or brainstorming new solutions, approaching life with fresh eyes keeps us vibrant and engaged.
Accept Your Invitation to Play: So, here's my challenge to you: Let's cast off the shackles of "grown-up" seriousness and rediscover the joy of living with a beginner's mind. Engage with the world around you with curiosity. Make your work your play and your play your work. Find joy in the little things, and let your imagination run wild.
I invite you to be whimsical, be intellectual, and above all, be playful. In doing so, you'll find that life is never dull. You're the captain of your ship—navigate it towards joy and discovery, and remember, in the world of full-impact mindfulness, every moment is an opportunity to live out loud.
Until next time, do a kindness for yourself, and perhaps, do a kindness for another. Let's spread the joy of living and the magic of playfulness. Namaste.
