I keep thinking about building forts as a kid. I loved pulling out all the blankets and turning the living room into a fortress or a cave or a tea-house! So today, I ignored my grown-up mind, took the blankets off the bed and off the back of the couch, built myself a fort and dragged in my laptop.
Playfulness breeds creativity for me. It puts me in that state of mind educational psychologists call “relaxed alertness.” Just the right balance of focus and peacefulness.
Next time, I might go outside and build a fairy house, or head for Ben Franklin to pick up some finger paints. Or maybe I’ll invite you over for a piñata bashing party!
Play is one aspect of spirituality and mindful living. It is a great mindfulness practice.
Brook Montagna, Mindfulness Coach & Spiritual Life Coach
2 Comments
Brook,
Thanks for sharing the fun memory of building a fort. I remember one winter my brother built an igloo in our back yard. He was good at things, and it was a really cool one. Every winter I think of it…and of making snow angels. It seems like making a snow angel is a feeling one never forgets.
I had to work all this week on an evaluation portfolio. Instead of keeping it so stern looking, I added a few artistic touches–not for my boss, but for me! I figured, if it was going to take so much of my time anyway, I might as well have some fun with it.
One of the most important things about creativity is to let go of what you fear others might think or say. Get rid of the inner critique. That’s what bosses are for!
Deb,
Thanks for the story of igloos and snow angels. Knowing how special you and your bother are, I know that angels (snow and other types) bring you closer to him. Memories of making snow angels really are precious to us all. Here in California, we make sand angels which usually ends up with someone being buried in sand. I’m thinking it’s time to head to the beach!