We live in a backwards society that prizes work before play. What if we have it all wrong? Perhaps play ought to come first. Perhaps we actually can be more productive and effective by starting from a foundation of self-nurture and satisfaction instead of obligation.
Many of us plow through the week with noses to the grindstone and come up for air only on the weekend, as though pushing ourselves through a grueling marathon in order to reward ourselves at the Friday night finish line. The problem is by the time the race nears its end, there’s a good chance we’ll be too exhausted to enjoy much of anything.
What if we were to infuse joy and pleasure throughout the week instead of banking it for a limited weekend withdrawal? In fact, what if we make play a top priority in our lives, no matter the day of the week?
I’m not suggesting we shirk the responsibilities of every day life or neglect those who rely on us. What I offer for consideration is that we can enjoy things we would love to do along with what we must do. One is not mutually exclusive of the other. In fact, mixing it up is certain to lead to a more joyful life.
I’ll be the first to admit this is more easily said than done, but like any habit we want to transform, practice is the key. I used to seldom do anything social on a “school night.” I’d rationalize that going out would prevent me from getting to bed at a reasonable enough hour to afford sufficient rest and energy to awaken early for my daily yoga practice and exercise.
The problem was the notable absence of joy and pleasure in my life. Sure, it felt good enough to be accomplished in taking great care of myself, but to what end the continuous cycle of early to bed, early to rise with no play? How much fun was I having in all this?
Don’t get me wrong, I love my spiritual and exercise practices, and I’m committed to feeding my soul and nurturing my body every day. However, we also need fun in our lives, to play, to tend to the child within that keeps us lighthearted.
Instead of automatically declining invitations to do something mid-week, I began experimenting with ‘yes’ to see what would happen. Wouldn’t you know, not only was my trepidation unfounded, I had fun without my spiritual and physical well being going to pot. If anything, sprinkling play into my week has made me a better steward of my time as I grow to value its presence more and more in my life. I no longer wait for invitations to play on a school night. I actively seek opportunities and encourage friends to jump on the bandwagon (my good friend, Michelle, and I are laughing it out, above, on a school night).
We each know when we need to let off a little steam and have some fun, no matter the day of the week. Give yourself permission to play.
Enjoying time with friends or loved ones who make us laugh and lighten our spirits is certain to give favorable tailwinds to carry us to the finish line of any week.
