CULTIVATE PLAYFULNESS!

 

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!

© Shanta Ramakrishnan, Mumbai August 10, 2021