Down Time and Play

How often do I pause and ask, "What's true for me right now, in this moment?" Or, "What do I want?" The answer is "rarely." I'm a planner. This is a tool I developed early in my life to feel a (false) sense of control. Now, after 40 years, I'm quite good at planning. Before I realize it, I've planned my day or week. And the nasty thing is that I then feel compelled to complete the plan, even if it's no longer "true for me" or what "makes me happy." Huh. What a huge realization.

So during this long winter break, I'm more mindful of my planning nature. I accept that one of my inner-children feels comforted by planning, but that planning is not required and even if done, the plan doesn't have to be followed. Sometimes now, when I ask myself "what do I want?", I simply want to sit on the couch or look out the window or "just be." (I recently read an interesting article in Yoga Journal: "Just Be." I recommend it to y'all--especially if you encounter that lack-of-time feeling.)

I've also thought recently about the benefit of play--especially of non-planned play. On Saturday I wanted to build a snowperson. Alas, the snow was not yet ripe for packing. So I came inside. No big deal. Yesterday I got the urge again, and the snow was melted enough for me to build, not quite a snow-adult, but a snow-child. How fun it was to play in the snow! I was in the moment, enjoying the process, and feeling thankful for the winter season.

I wish you all space to "just be" and to have un-planned, delightful play. I'd love to hear any and all stories about such things--feel free to share via the comments feature. I think sharing such fun and/or non-doing experiences helps build connectedness, kindness, and happiness.

Be well!