Speaker 1: Mindful play is the art of embracing joy with presence
Speaker 1: and intention, and that is the thought for today. Welcome
Speaker 1: to Seven Good Minutes. I'm Clyde Lee Dennis. Thanks for
Speaker 1: joining me for what I believe will be seven of
Speaker 1: the most enriching minutes of your day. In today's episode
Speaker 1: of Seven Good Minutes, we talk about the joy of
Speaker 1: mindful play. Enjoy Play is an essential part of daily life,
Speaker 1: even though it's often overlooked in adulthood. As you grow older,
Speaker 1: responsibilities and routines can push play to the back burner.
Speaker 1: But the importance of play shouldn't be underestimated. Play is
Speaker 1: not just for children. It's a vital component of a balanced,
Speaker 1: joyful life. When you engage in play, whether it's through games,
Speaker 1: creative activities, or simply being spontaneous, you tap into a
Speaker 1: sense of freedom and joy that can be incredibly refreshing.
Speaker 1: Play allows you to let go of stress, relax, and
Speaker 1: connect with your inner child. It fosters creativity, encourages problem solving,
Speaker 1: and strengthens social bonds. By incorporating more play into your
Speaker 1: daily routine, you give yourself permission to step outside of
Speaker 1: the seriousness of everyday life and embrace moments of pure enjoyment.
Speaker 1: Play isn't just a break from reality. It's a way
Speaker 1: to enrich your life and bring more joy into your
Speaker 1: daily experience. Mindful play takes the concept of play a
Speaker 1: step further by adding the element of full presence. When
Speaker 1: you engage in mindful play, you're not just going through
Speaker 1: the motions. You're fully immersed in the experience, paying attention
Speaker 1: to the sights, sounds, and feelings that arise. This type
Speaker 1: of play allows you to experience joy on a deeper
Speaker 1: level because you're completely present in the moment. The benefits
Speaker 1: of mindful play are significant. It can help reduce stress,
Speaker 1: increase your sense of well being, and even improve your
Speaker 1: relationships as it encourages you to be more present and
Speaker 1: connected with others. By being my mind mindful during play, you
Speaker 1: also enhance your creativity and problem solving abilities as you're
Speaker 1: more open to new ideas and possibilities. Mindful play is
Speaker 1: about savoring the moment, enjoying the process, and letting go
Speaker 1: of any distractions or worries. It's a practice that not
Speaker 1: only brings joy, but also enriches your overall well being.
Speaker 1: Incorporating mindful play into your routine doesn't have to be complicated.
Speaker 1: It's about finding moments in your day where you can
Speaker 1: let go of your usual responsibilities and allow yourself to
Speaker 1: simply enjoy. Start by setting aside a few minutes each
Speaker 1: day for playful activities that you love. Whether it's doodling,
Speaker 1: playing a game, or even just dancing around your living room.
Speaker 1: The key is to choose activities that make you feel
Speaker 1: joyful and to engage in them fully without distractions. You
Speaker 1: can also bring a playful attitude to everyday tasks by
Speaker 1: approaching them with curiosity and a sense of fun. For example,
Speaker 1: try turning mundane chores into a game, or challenge yourself
Speaker 1: to learn something new in a playful way. By making
Speaker 1: play a regular part of your routine, you create a
Speaker 1: habit of joy and relaxation that can have lasting positive
Speaker 1: effects on your mental and emotional health. The more you
Speaker 1: practice mindful play, the easier it becomes to find joy
Speaker 1: in the little moments of life. Overcoming barriers to playfulness
Speaker 1: is essential to fully embrace the joy of mindful play.
Speaker 1: As adults, it's easy to feel self conscious about being
Speaker 1: playful or to believe that play is a waste of time.
Speaker 1: These barriers often stem from societal expectations or the pressures
Speaker 1: of daily life. However, it's important to remember that play
Speaker 1: is a natural and necessary part of being human. To
Speaker 1: overcome these barriers, start by giving yourself permission to play.
Speaker 1: Remind yourself that play is not only acceptable, but beneficial
Speaker 1: for your well being. If you find it hard to
Speaker 1: let go, try starting with small, simple activities that feel
Speaker 1: comfortable to you. Surround yourself with people who value play
Speaker 1: and can encourage your playful side. Finally, practice being kind
Speaker 1: to yourself. If you feel silly or self conscious, acknowledge
Speaker 1: those feelings without judgment, and keep going. The more you
Speaker 1: allow yourself to engage in play, the more natural it
Speaker 1: will feel, and the more you'll reap its benefits. Sustaining
Speaker 1: joy through regular mindful play is about making play a
Speaker 1: consistent and valued part of your life. It's not just
Speaker 1: something you do when you have free time. It's something
Speaker 1: you prioritize because of the positive impact it has on
Speaker 1: your well being. To sustain this joy, it's important to
Speaker 1: regularly assess and refresh your playful activities. As you grow
Speaker 1: and change, your interests and needs may shift, so it's
Speaker 1: important to explore new ways to play that keep you
Speaker 1: engaged and excited. Consider setting aside specific times each week
Speaker 1: dedicated to play, just as you would for other important activities.
Speaker 1: You might also want to involve others in your play,
Speaker 1: as shared experiences can enhance the joy and connection you feel. Remember,
Speaker 1: the goal of mindful play is not to achieve anything specific,
Speaker 1: but to enjoy the moment and reconnect with a sense
Speaker 1: of fun and creativity. By sustaining this practice, you ensure
Speaker 1: that joy remains a consistent and enriching part of your life.
Speaker 1: That does it. For today's episode of seven Good Minutes,
Speaker 1: please take a moment to rate and review the show
Speaker 1: on the platform you're listening on. Until next time, let's
Speaker 1: be civil to one another out there. Thanks for listening.