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Playfulness: The Secret of Genius and the Fountain of Youth in Uncertain Times
Playfulness conjures up images of childlike innocence and play, freedom and joy!
Edgewalkers value and understand the importance of Playfulness, the quality of being light-hearted or full of fun. Now more than ever, we can choose to play at any time.
When we allow our creative, child-like Spirit and essence to come out and play we ignite Joy which is one of the highest emotional vibrations we can feel. Joy uplifts our sense of self, creates well-being and supports optimal health, relationships and community.
Playfulness, as defined in the book Edgewalkers by Judi Neal, is a joyful sense of fun and creativity, an ability to keep everything in perspective.
A shift in perspective is necessary during these uncertain times and the ability to see and feel things differently is essential to our evolution. As Aldous Huxley said: “The Secret of Genius is to carry the Spirit of the child into old age.”
One way we can access our genius, wisdom and creativity is through the Spirit of the child, the part of us who is open, naturally intuitive, less conditioned, more authentic. We can find answers to our problems and gain a different insight by allowing our child-like wonder through play to explore what is possible, connect with our intuition and creative problem solving.
One of my favorite quotes is by George Bernard Shaw who said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Most of us have become “adulterated” over the years. Many of us have forgotten how to play, we have no time, we are too busy, we don’t value it.
I attended a retreat in my 30’s when I realized I forgot how to play, to let go. I was focused for years on my education, accomplishments, taking care of everyone, and saving the world. A part of me was not happy or fulfilled. I felt restricted and disconnected from myself.
There was an exercise encouraging us to play and have fun. Initially this process was very uncomfortable for me and unfamiliar. I was self-conscious. In time as I gave myself permission to play, I allowed myself to connect with my child, let go and play, dance, walk in wonder through nature, laugh and dream again. I discovered parts of myself I had long forgotten. I felt more whole, complete, connected.
Surprisingly from this state of joy and playfulness, many answers I was seeking about decisions in my life, how to approach the problems of the world and where I could best serve, resulted from my willingness to play more. I needed to “go out of my serious adult mind” and create more space and awareness through play. The clarity, ease and peace I sought emerged from playfulness. It was as if parts of me were buried, waiting to come out and be experienced. I am so happy I had the courage to open the door!
I now understand the importance of Playfulness. It is the quality that supports letting go, liberation, and a space where we can connect more deeply and expansively to parts of ourselves that want and need to be expressed.
Encouraging the children who naturally love and play, inherently connect, are curious and open, accepting and allowing. We can learn from them, model their innocent child-like nature.
In these times of uncertainty many would say we don’t have time to play, it’s not important, appropriate, relevant. We can’t afford NOT to play! For our Spirits and the world to flourish and evolve, we MUST play together as adults along with our own inner child. This is a necessary remedy for the balance we seek as souls and the transformation of our planet!
For questions or to schedule a complimentary discussion on how you can develop Playfulness to maximize your potential, creativity and impact and transform to lead a more balanced, happier and fulfilling life, please email me at coach@maximizeu.life
Live, Work and Lead with greater Freedom, Power and Peace of Mind.
Thanks
