“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.” ~Charles E. Schaefer
When we’re doing something for the pure joy of it, with no regard for the outcome, our ego takes a rest and our heart soars with delight.
A few years ago, I decided my “play” wiring was faulty. I wasn’t certain I really even had it to begin with – maybe I’d been in line for another characteristic when they were passing out the aptitude for play. But if I had received it, I was convinced that years focused on numbers and trying to figure everything out had fried the circuitry.
My ego agonized over the loss and went to work on a solution, but seemed to make absolutely no progress. The more I chased it, the more elusive it became.
Then one day, I caught myself playing, making up acronyms with the letters on license plates. When I started looking for all the ways I do play instead of all the ways I don’t, I realized I’d been secretly playing all along with words and numbers, friends and students, strangers and the environment. I’d given it a clever disguise, but it was play nonetheless.
What are the hidden ways you play? Look for clues in how you entertain yourself while driving, waiting in line, or doing mundane tasks. Notice when you find yourself grinning for no apparent reason.
Be curious about the child in your heart. The way she plays shines a light on what makes you unique.
When we’re doing something for the pure joy of it, with no regard for the outcome, our ego takes a rest and our heart soars with delight.
A few years ago, I decided my “play” wiring was faulty. I wasn’t certain I really even had it to begin with – maybe I’d been in line for another characteristic when they were passing out the aptitude for play. But if I had received it, I was convinced that years focused on numbers and trying to figure everything out had fried the circuitry.
My ego agonized over the loss and went to work on a solution, but seemed to make absolutely no progress. The more I chased it, the more elusive it became.
Then one day, I caught myself playing, making up acronyms with the letters on license plates. When I started looking for all the ways I do play instead of all the ways I don’t, I realized I’d been secretly playing all along with words and numbers, friends and students, strangers and the environment. I’d given it a clever disguise, but it was play nonetheless.
What are the hidden ways you play? Look for clues in how you entertain yourself while driving, waiting in line, or doing mundane tasks. Notice when you find yourself grinning for no apparent reason.
Be curious about the child in your heart. The way she plays shines a light on what makes you unique.
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