Tag Archives: Play

by

Leopard Pants and Yoga?

by Worakit Sirijinda

This week, we’ve really been looking at what we can bring our attention to, in order to accomplish some amazing things. Love and caring for others, growing what we want to grow in our lives, overcoming judgment on the mat are all applications that have been explored this week. What else can we do? How about play with our attention?

I have a friend raising two children right now who was telling me about the “sitting challenge.” I assume this is a way to take a task that is needed and turn it into a game. This is akin to the video I  shared earlier this week about gaming. Still… this idea of play, and the work that we have to do as a play, just seems to need further exploration.

Here is the basic point. If you approach your work, your household chores, your care of the car, or your care of the body as a burden, it will become one. You will experience it as work. If you are bored, you won’t do it, right? So, it is important to bring a sense of play to whatever it is that you hope to accomplish. I think that, for a while, people have looked to others to bring the motivation, but maybe this is something you already have within you. I mean, have you really thought about what you want and why you are doing the work? It is important to be clear on what it is you are willing to put some effort in for. Then, bring a sense of play.

I think this whole attitude thing is a major reason people fell in love with Shawn White. Notice how amidst his talk of his perfect score at the XGames in 2012, he wants to enjoy discussion of the pants he chose. It is hilarious, and about play. Bringing something besides some intense serious attitude, though you can tell he is also serious about the quality of his performance. He even critiques his first jump…

He says he always “joked” about one day possibly getting a perfect score. It is the attitude of play that I think invites his fans in. It gives people more than just a respect for his obvious hard work and dedication.

So, how can you translate this combo of effort and play to the mat for yourself, today?

I used to know someone who wore a tie to “get to business” when writing a paper for school. If one tie didn’t work, he put on two. I went to visit once and he was wearing 5 ties! It seemed that he was having a hard time getting into the spirit of writing that report, but it was funny!

Oh man… I would love to see a room of leopard pants today in class!

Yoga Pose of the Day: Dancer – Natarajasana

Yogic Concept of the Day: I’ll bring a little play as I apply some effort.

by

Kazoo in honor of Mozart,an invitation to keep playing.

I love musical toys… and I am sure that I am not alone. Yesterday, on this blog, I talked about finding your learning styles and the types of intelligences that are strongest for you. One of mine was the musical intelligence. So I brought kazoos to class yesterday.

I think we had a blast!

We used the kazoos as an introduction to a new form of pranayama (breath work): Brahmari – or humming breath. I encouraged people to look into the connection between play, and practice. As play opens up our hearts, so can this humming breath – allowing a sense of ease to come in as we prepare for savasana and meditation.

As you watch this short video, notice how much breath control must actually have to be applied in order to get the quick staccato and the articulation of the tied 16th notes he is playing on a kazoo. Seriously.

What happens to our minds and bodies when we attempt things that are completely silly? I’ll tell you, thinking about all of this, and the jy we had in class yesterday, is really a great invitation to bring a sense of play as we come to the weekend.

 

Thanks for sharing some joy with me!

 

Yogic Pose of the Day: Brahmari – Bee Breath

Yogic Concept of the Day: I can play some more this weekend. It enriches my body and mind to have playful intention.

by

Play as a Form of Svadyaya

We can study ourselves (svadyaya = the study of the self) and find out more about who we are and our own nature if we can have more chances to play, especially as a group. Just look at how easy it is to see when watching some bears.

 

I think they were having a blast with the pool and the swing set and everything. The combination of calm, an absolute sense of belonging and playfulness never fails to come clear when watching bears.

 

But we don’t even really need props to play. I mean, yoga practice may be to us, what a simple swim is to these otters!

 

 

We are not so different. Really, just take yourself outside and see what you do. A part of your nature will show itself, if you will simply let yourself play, and then observe what it was like (svadyaya).

 

 

Yoga Pose of the Day: Upright Seated Pose – otherwise known as Bear pose

Yogic Concept of the Day: Get outside and play, even for 10 minutes.

 

Bear Pose

by

Share Your Play

Something is beginning to happen. Yesterday, you began to explore the ways you play. You looked at the ways you did so as a child, and considered other ways you would like to now. In yoga there is a concept of Lila (also spelled Leela) – the play of life, or divine play. It is a concept that all that exists is the outcome of play. We could consider that through play we find the way we best engage with the world, and share our greatest talents. I think this relates to our traditional concept in western culture, which Shakespeare so aptly describes when he wrote “All the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players.”

Did you ever see that movie with Maggie Gyllenhall and Will Farrell, Stranger Than Fiction? There is a fantastic scene in there that demonstrates what I am going to suggest you consider today.

If you decided not to watch it, Maggie’s character, Ana Pascal describes how she was going to Harvard Law School, but somehow her love of cooking for the study groups brought her true talent to the foreground of her life, leaving her with a D average and a clue as to how she was going to change the world. These types of accidents happen so commonly, I imagine you could tell me a tale or two about someone who “fell into” a new role that was so clearly them, even the way they did other things dripped with the signs of their gift. We all are like that. Did you know it?

I know a lot of artists, and I haven’t asked them permission to share their tales of finding their form of art, or I might recount them here, but many went through a variety of modalities before finding their personal niche. I have known a few physicists, too, and they are incredibly similar in how they were just bursting with curiosity and the desire to find the right application of that intensity. It can take a few tries to find what play works for us. 

So okay – you are on the path, albeit loosely. How does sharing come in? Share your play with others. If you are exploring cooking, cook with or for others. Hold a recipe swap at your next potluck! Make it so it is not about you, but you get to see how you play with others. Because, we know that the fruits of our work cannot be for ourselves. We derive so much more joy from the sharing.

What about the sciences? Volunteer at a science museum, or for the science classes at a nearby school. Get a telescope and invite nieces and nephews over for a meteor shower. If you are working with the math, come help me! Just kidding – offer to work at the local tax support hub in the new year or look for aid agencies that may need math support for children or adults in the area. Honestly, math tutors are really needed. See how you do with doing math together.

What about other seemingly solitary interests like writing and singing? I think I have known many writers who felt it was sharing to go write at the coffee shop. Actually, when I was waitressing, there were several writers who would come to write. I tried to leave them to it. Knowing how important not breaking a thought is. There were a couple who felt I should stop working to sit and read manuscripts or listen to them read to me. That, honestly, was sort of rude, because it made me a captive at work instead of letting me share in the gift. No – I think writer workshops and literary groups are something that serve that purpose better. You may have special friends whose nature is also writing and who may be able to start such a group with you.  But writing someone a story for a birthday, or gifting the family with the family story is something altogether different. It is a truly unique and appreciated gift.  It still seems solitary in nature, but that is really the nature of this talent.

For some people, the talent or gift is so subtle or groundbreaking that they cannot have a clue unless they see themselves in groups. If you are still wondering what it is that you possibly have to offer – throw a party. Or create a gathering somewhere. Start taking time to visit places you’ve never ventured before and push yourself to meet 5 people on your trip. I am not necessarily talking about going to a new city, but to a store you would normally never enter. You may have to do these things often to get any real clues, but the group of people you meet will tell you something. If you are shy, this can be particularly difficult. But what you do, more so – how you do it – will tell you something about what you offer. Take pictures on your trips (okay, not in the stores, but…) create collages. Invite friends over to tea to tell them about your adventures and solicit feedback about what rhythms and repeating patterns they see. Take them with you.

All of these things are sharing. Sharing your experience of life – but also sharing how you experience life with others. This richness is what makes us all sit up in our chairs and listen when you share your tale, your talent, and your story.

Yoga Pose of the Day: Garudasana – Eagle Pose

Yogic Concept of the Day: I share my play with others.

 

by

What Was Your Favorite Way to Play as a Child?

By: Vlado

I want you to think for a moment of an early memory, whatever time you end up in, when you admired something someone else was doing and thought things like ” I wonder what that’s like,” or ” I could never do that, but I bet it’s fun.” Can you remember a favorite game in second grade, or the way that you waited in rooms by yourself as a child? I waited in rooms alone by dancing. Music or no, in my head I was a ballerina. My favorite games were unique games held in trees and that one where they play music so you dance, and freeze when the music stops. These have all been clues to finding my talents and special ways I can connect with others.

How we play holds clues to our gifts and talents. How we played as a child holds clues to where we began with our abilities and interests.

As you are reminiscing, take some notes about what you remember and why you were drawn to those things. In some ways, the “why” is more important than the “what.” If you think it is lost information, think back to favorite movies or songs and then the games you played with others. The information may come from there.

Take some time today, and the next day, and maybe each day for the next week to just play. Try on some of the types of experiences you used to enjoy or be curious about. Yes, I am talking about dancing with yourself. Or painting, drawing, or picking up that instrument you haven’t looked at since middle or high school. Maybe you need to go tinker with some woodworking, or start a garden… whatever comes, try to do something each day this week.

You could spend your shower singing more than washing. Buy some cheap tempra paints to use while waiting at home. Dedicate time ( I suggest an hour, but it can be whatever works for you) each day for the next week to really goofing off. It is not serious, it is play. Attempt to recapture the feelings of a child during this special time. If you are not having fun, change the game. Do whatever else you remember, or what comes to mind. Allow unexpected trips to petting zoos and the of purchase chemistry sets.

So, how does this play become useful? You are already sensing it. That wonder is returning. Your creativity comes to you in waves as you recall special games, secret hiding places, mud pies, building a special ramp for your matchbox cars, and chosing materials for your fort in the woods. Perhaps you feel compelled to go camping this weekend, or find that old recipe for play-doh.

It has begun. There are no rules except that you show up for yourself as you would for your own child’s tea-time.

Some thing that is really important is already happening here. Tomorrow we will talk about what that is.

 

 

Yoga Pose of the Day: Child’s Pose

Yogic Concept of the Day: Any memory of childhood play remembered should be expressed somehow.

by

Spoons?

Sometimes it is inspiring just to see how others play… and we can be inspired to add a little extra of that playful spirit in what we do. Just because we are working to do something well, it doesn’t have to be all serious.

 

Impressive with her talent, you can also tell Deb “Spoons” Perry gets her whole body into it and has a great time.

 

Yoga Pose of the Day: Utthita Parsvakonasana – Extended Side Angle Pose

Yogic Concept of the Day: I can apply effort and a sense of play.

by

Yoga isn’t meant to be a chore, so goof off already!

I mean really. If I see so much seriousness anywhere else, I think someone is having problems. We are supposed to have joy, and be enjoyable in yoga, right? I mean supposedly. Perhaps if you are having a bad day, or something difficult is occurring in your life, take the day as a rest day and do some serious self care. But otherwise, it is okay to loosen up, goof off, and live a little. Make a mistake on purpose and see what happens. Perhaps someone will help out, but it won’t be horrible. You will survive, and the next time you make a mistake it will be better.

My whole point is this: Don’t take yourself so seriously. It isn’t fun. So have some more fun.

If you don’t want to make a mistake in yoga class, make a mistake somewhere. Spell a word wrong on facebook. Put the fork in the wrong place for a table setting. Use the wrong verb in conversation. Have a little fun with it. Call your pet by the wrong name all day. (My cat doesn’t really appreciate it, but seems to play along after awhile.) See what happens.

Watch and see what happens? Can you be comfortable with this? If not, keep practicing. It will come!

Pose of the Day: Downward-facing dog. A standard pose that is really great for playing around. Try wobbling, lifting legs, and generally seeing if you can do it another way. It isn’t easy to mess it up.

Yogic Concept of the Day: Goof off. Play (lila) for goodness sakes! And send pics, stories, or whatever else to me. I would LOVE to know what you come up with!

Photo Credit: seymoursimages

by

Useful Play- it is way more fun than it sounds!

image

This week we have been looking at our gifts and talents and how sharing them is connected to the yogic concept of asteya, non-stealing. If we refrain from sharing our gifts, we refrain from helping, entertaining, moving others- thereby stealing some experience or lesson from them.

Yesterday, I provided a few different quizzes for finding unknown or unexpected talents. But perhaps you have always been drawn to something, knowing it was begging for your exploration. I have met many people who knew they had a calling to painting, but became credit analysts, or people who wanted to be actors that chose the teaching route. Maybe you’re sure you wanted to study physics, but your math wasn’t up to par, so you didn’t even try. Believe me when I say I think most of us have some secret interest we haven’t yet tried.

Relax. I am not suggesting we all quit our jobs and pursue art. Of course, it is sometimes fun to imagine a day where all people refused to do anything but paint. 

No, you are not doing anything that is so risky, but the fun can feel that way. Try to ignore fears of what this might mean. It will only be what you make of it. You are in charge, and it’s going to be really fun.

I want you to think for a moment of an early memory, whatever time you end up in, when you admired something someone else was doing and thought things like ” I wonder what that’s like,” or ” I could never do that, but I bet it’s fun.” Can you remember a favorite game in second grade, or the way that you waited in rooms by yourself as a child? I waited in rooms alone by dancing. Music or no, in my head I was a ballerina. My favorite games were unique games held in trees and the one where they play music so you dance, and freeze when the music stops. These have all been clues to finding my talents and special ways I can connect with others.

As you are reminiscing, take some notes about what you remember and why you were drawn to those things. In some ways, the “why” is more important than the “what.”

Take some time today, and the next day, and maybe each day for the next week to just play. Try on some of the types of experiences you used to enjoy or be curious about. Yes, I am talking about dancing with yourself. Oh, how I appreciated Billy Idol sharing my world. I didn’t even listen to the other lyrics!

You could spend your shower singing more than washing. Buy some cheap tempra paints to use while waiting at home. Dedicate time ( I suggest an hour, but it can be whatever works for you) each day for the next week to really goofing off. It is not serious, it is play. Attempt to recapture the feelings of a child during this special time. If you are not having fun, change the game. Do whatever else you remember, or what comes to mind. Allow unexpected trips to petting zoos and the purchase chemistry sets.

So, how does this play become useful? You are already sensing it. That wonder is returning. Your creativity comes to you in waves as you recall special games, secret hiding places, mud pies, building a special ramp for your matchbox cars, and chosing materials for your fort in the woods. Perhaps you feel compelled to go camping this weekend, or find that old recipe for play-doh.

It has begun. There are no rules except that you show up for yourself as you would for your own child’s tea-time.

Some thing that is really important is already happening here. Tomorrow we will talk about what that is.

Happy play time!