#13. Play Mindset

“The mind is like a parachute; it doesn’t work unless it is open.” -- Frank Zappa

Our mindset plays a role in how we perceive life, whether it is a glass half full or half empty. No one can live with an abundance of growth mindset all the time. All of us have fixed ideas in one part of life while being open and exploratory in another. In this constant yin-yang of life, can we explore a play mindset?

Dr. Shimi Kang defines play as a mindset that embraces curiosity, exploration, and learning through trial and error. This play mindset can be applied to everything in life including reinventing our schools, workplaces, and home life.

In honor of a play mindset, I'm sharing a poem by Mary Oliver.

THE JOURNEY

One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice -

though the whole house began to tremble

and you felt the old tug at your ankles.

"Mend my life!"?

each voice cried.

But you didn't stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried?

with its stiff fingers?

at the very foundations,?

though their melancholy?

was terrible.

It was already late?

enough, and a wild night,?

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,?

the stars began to burn?

through the sheets of clouds,?

and there was a new voice?

which you slowly?

recognized as your own,?

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,?

determined to do

the only thing you could do —

determined to save

the only life that you could save.

—Mary Oliver

Book recommendation: Mindset, The New Psychology of Success, Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D

Play helps relieve stress, improve brain function, stimulate the mind, boost creativity, improve relationships and your connection to others, and keep you feeling young and energetic. Play brings childlike wonder, well-being, and a sense of community in adulthood. Have a wonderful week!