The Practice of Playfulness

​Somewhere in the process of growing up and becoming adults, many of us lose sight of the importance of play. We spend less time imagining, wondering, and dreaming and more time being productive, checking off to-do lists, and creating routine and certainty. We somehow put play in a category that doesn't feel necessary or maybe it's some elusive idea that we will get to at some point later on when we have "more time".  I don't think play is a luxury though, I believe that it’s a vital part of being human and I also feel that it's one of the most natural doorways into presence and ease.

As a yoga teacher, I see it all the time. Students arrive on their mats with determination, focus, even a little bit of pressure they’ve placed on themselves... Thinking things like: "Am I doing this right? Do I look okay? Am I good enough?" And while I do agree that discipline and alignment are important, I also strongly believe sometimes the medicine we truly need is to soften, wiggle around, laugh, and allow ourselves to play.

I've noticed in myself how often I even use the word "work" in my day to day language. Saying things like, "Yes, I have to work on that today." , "Hey, can you work on this with me?" , "I'm working on myself.." etc. Someone very close to me reminded me earlier this year of the subtle and powerful shift that can occur when using a different word to express the same message. For example, If I replace the word "have" with "get" that first statement would be more like "Yes, I get to work on this today." Or I can change it even further to be, "Yes, I get to play with this idea or project today." Which sounds more like an opportunity that I can be grateful for versus something that feels heavy and daunting.

I've noticed that my language, even if it's subtle, paints a picture of how I think and feel about myself and the world. So, if I notice that I say a word or statement a lot I have been reflecting on that more to see if it's the most accurate way of expressing myself. It's been a fun, mindful practice of playing with words and also evaluating what is important to me.

I think it's interesting that it took some playful conversations and experiences this year to teach me the value of play. It seems like the more I prioritize it, the more it shows me it's importance in my life. And while I have the privilege of staying very busy at the studio and caring for the property, I never let myself get too busy to play. Even if that means bringing in a playful spirit to the not so playful tasks or chores on my agenda.

I was actually just talking about the concept of "being playful in the mundane" in a recent mindful hula hooping class. It can feel hard to be playful in certain settings. Maybe it's because we identify the word "playful" with certain ideas or characteristics that feel too dramatic of a shift from the reality we are present with. For example, if I associate the word playfulness with laughter but I'm at my job where things don't seem funny at all, I may think that my job can't be playful. However, if I open my perspective of playfulness to mean more than one thing... maybe allowing it to be more related to "curiosity, openness, beginner's mind, light-heartedness, relaxed presence,"  then maybe I can invite more of those playful qualities into my workspace and they don't have to be so separate.

Now, of course there will be times where we can be more relaxed and playful than others. Maybe we don't all have the luxury of exploring with a lot of playfulness in the work setting. However, I'm suggesting that playfulness is more of a mindset that can offer us more spaciousness.. versus being something dependent on outside circumstances.

With that idea, I can essentially bring playfulness into any space... any setting... because it's my approach and my attitude (the only thing I really have control over anyways).

But like with anything.... being in a state of something usually requires practice. So, that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm practicing playfulness. I'm prioritizing a playful approach to my projects and I'm making even more time for play - doing things I enjoy with people I love.

I'm approaching my physical yoga practice with playfulness too. Using props in fun ways, being silly and playful with transitions and variations, and also laughing at myself when I feel the mind racing and analyzing and doing it's thing haha (can your relate?)

Isn't that really the point anyways - to live with more intention, to enjoy our time here with our loved ones, and to prioritize things that are important to us?

These are the reflections I come back to again and again. How do I show up more fully, more engaged, and present with all the blessings in my life? For me, the answer comes back to pouring energy into what I'm inspired by. Inspiration and play are like my fuel that keeps my momentum flowing.

I'd love to hear your reflections on playfulness - what does that word mean to you? How can you bring more a playful approach to things that don't feel as playful in your life? Comment on the blog post below or email me to continue the conversation - [email protected]

I hope you find connection to what you are inspired by today. If you need some inspiration - Join us for a class, playshop, or special event soon or come to the grounds to play around the property!

With love & humility,

Katie Beene