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CULTIVATE PLAYFULNESS! We have only one life
to live… and that is happening NOW! We are going through the rigour of life
each day. Most of us are always serious. Our day begins with making a ‘To-do
list’ and proceeding to accomplish most of the pending jobs listed therein,
one after the other! We all have some aim in life, a goal where we intend to
reach eventually. In doing so, what we forget is being light sometimes, relax and enjoy what the day spreads in front of us. Why should one be always serious about
something? Why can’t we be ourselves a bit, sit back and relax, resort to
doing something that we have always wanted to do, instead of worrying about
pending chores, or seeing what is next in that list!? Just loosen up, look around and identify that humour in any situation that you would miss otherwise. Enjoy what is in front of you. Recognize your time with your family as precious and give the ‘connectivity’ that people around you are eagerly waiting for. Do not be worked-up all the time. Understand that being playful is not a crime. Cultivate this habit and make your life more meaningful. ‘It is a happy talent to know how to
play’…these are the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), an American
essayist, preacher, poet and philosopher. These, rather unceremonious words,
were included in one of Emerson’s journal entries from April 1835, offering
an insight into his values. He gave us a warning against being very serious
and worked-up while taking societal rules too seriously. If you are serious and
pre-occupied all the time, you sacrifice your fun time. There is
nothing wrong in being silly or feeling light sometimes.
If you cultivate a habit of being playful as you look around for
relief from stress, you will become physically and emotionally healthier.
Being playful is an excellent ability which forms a solid base to a happy
life. Start by taking time off to be with a loved one, crack a joke, read a
book, join the game being played outside, listen to music, play an instrument
or sing a few lines, laugh and show spontaneous merriment. Be yourself, be
playful. And do not worry about outsiders being judgemental about you. Be serious
whenever a situation warrants. However, if you are generally playful and
spread your time well with family, friends and be passionate about a hobby, your
serious work will be more effective, result-oriented and positive in its
outcome! So… put on that smile and be ready to enjoy life! Good Luck! |
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© Shanta
Ramakrishnan, Mumbai August 10, 2021 |
Jai Sree Krishna!