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Is it foolish and immature to want to PLAY? If so, where did you learn that? If you want to bring out your playful spirit, but you can hear the Voice of Disapproval in your head, let’s use Energy Tapping (EFT) to clear them so you can feel FREE to PLAY!

While at the gas station recently, a mother and three kids were getting gas. The kids were having a great time, cleaning the windows. They made a game out of what could have been a task. Laughing and running to and from the wiper bucket, slashing water and having a blast. The windows were getting clean, the kids weren’t getting really wet, and they were so happy. The mother was watching with an indulgent smile, and the other customers seemed to lighten up and relax. A few chuckled, and their faces opened up. Just watching the lighthearted play seemed to let them appreciate the spring sunshine and being outdoors on a beautiful day.

A woman in a bad mood, and obviously in a hurry, pulled up behind them. She honked her horn and scowled, and the whole energy changed. The mom tensed up and told the kids to finish up. The older sister started criticizing, “you’re not doing it right,” and all the play went out of it. The funny thing was, the mom hadn’t finished filling up her SUV, so there really wasn’t any rush.

When did we let the play out of our lives?– Was it when someone yelled at us?– Or criticized what we were doing?– When did we internalize those critical voices and start pushing ourselves to do rather than be?– Even when we “work” at hobbies or sports, which are supposed to be relaxing, many of us hold ourselves to high standards and compare and beat ourselves up.– One team member shared that she cringed at the word “play” and immediately got an image of her step-Mom saying something like, “You all go out and play while I get dinner ready.” So “play” became a way to get rid of her and wasn’t much fun!

Definition of Play:– Activity for the sake of fun. May involve lighthearted exploration with no hard objective.– Something that invokes gaiety, delight and satisfaction.– It often involves creativity, pretend, fantasy, fun, high spirits and humor– The distracting of the attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something

Most studies focus on children and how it affects their development. Recently more people looking at it for adults as there is strong evidence that play helps people problems solve, increases creativity and innovation and improves health (it reduces stress therefore health improves). Some of us have been taught that play is for children, that it is used a rehearsal for life. Instead, play is what gives fun and interest throughout life.

Studies done on rats showed that rats that were trained not to play would hide and die if they were surrounded by the scent of cats.– Rats that hadn’t been trained out of play would hide for a bit and then explore and change their behavior, and survive in the same environment. (Dr Stuart Brown http://www.ted.com).– Dr. Brown says humans are designed to play throughout their lives, and that the opposite of play is not work, it’s depression.

When we play with someone we feel connected with them. We feel joyful and relaxed and creative.

Play is a very mindful activity- we are present in the moment. The activity is more important than the outcome.

We build a sense of connection when we play. With ourselves, our world and with others.

Some blocks to play are:– There is too much chaos, I need to be in control– What if I don’t do it right?– How can I work at playing?– I don’t even know where to start!– How can I allow myself to play?– I HAVE to play !?

Try to notice what draws your attention, what makes you feel passionate.– When we’ve been very stressed, we don’t have a lot of energy to be curious or playful. We may need to relearn how to play.– Play does not have to be a specific game with rules. It is whatever feels good, that moves you out of routine and into fun.– What feels good to you?– What did you enjoy doing when you were younger?– See if you can start with one activity and expand from there.– Even if it’s for 30 seconds, let yourself do one thing mindful. Notice the way it feels in your body, how your body moves.– Easier if you pick something without a lot of “shoulds” attached.– What are you curious about?

We know from personal experience how invaluable a helping hand can be when you are dealing with these kinds of issues. We have a group coaching program that is structured to provide such support.

Learn More about the Emotional Freedom Circle

I Want To Play… Isn’t That Foolish?! with Rick Wilkes & Cathy Vartuli

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