#6: Inviting play into our everyday
Danielle Farage
HBR & Forbes Featured Expert on Gen Z Corporate Talent // Not your avg B2B Marketer // Keynote Speaker, Career Creator, Workshop Facilitator // Neurodivergent ??
In my early childhood education, I remember having a class called "Movement."
Specifically, I remember walking down with the rest of my Pre-K class to the basement of the building, where Erica - a blonde, short-haired, spunky, bright-eyed teacher - always greeted us.
At eye-level, I was consistently met with a fun and exciting article of clothing, like striped socks, neon-colored sneakers or paint-splattered overalls. Her energy was welcoming, open, and vibrant.
She also knew what each student needed to get out of this one class each day - play - and came up with lots of creative ways to get us moving!
Looking back, I realize the class itself was pretty much a chaotic 30 minutes of kids running around, screaming, playing, and simply having the time of our lives.
As I reflect on my own work experience and life, there's been almost no play incorporated into my days. But why?
Play has been shown?to release endorphins, improve brain functionality, and stimulate creativity. And it can even?help to keep us young?and feeling energetic.?Studies?show that it also improves memory and stimulates the growth of the cerebral cortex.
So I sought to invite more play into my life, and here's what I've learned.
1) Play enables us to live in the moment
About a month ago, I took my first week-long vacation since August. On the first morning, Gigi and I went to breakfast and both set an intention. Mine was play, and hers was bliss.
And the entire week, we never stopped laughing. We danced with the full moon. We took photoshoots in the pool. Sunk our feet in the sand at all hours. Snuck around Puerto Vallarta like two spies on a mission. Safe to say, it was a silly time.
I'm convinced that the trip was even more rejuvenating because of the intention setting. Especially having mine be play. What I realized too, was that in order to be playful, it helps to surround yourself with playful people.
2) Play can be what you make it
Last month, I attended the ISG (Information Services Group) Future Workplace Summit. And unsurprisingly, I was the youngest one there...but at least I WAS there (s/o to ISG team).
My choices were to play in the sandbox alone OR dig for treasure. In other words:
a) be intimidated by this fact and hide in the corner, OR
b) show up as my full self and incorporate play.
I chose b, obviously, and how I thought about it was, "Let's see how many people I can deeply connect with, tell them my wildest ideas, and see how they react," practically making it a game.
I ended up posting about it here and lots of people resonated with it!
So the next few times you feel discomfort, notice it and practice asking yourself, "How could I make this an opportunity for play?"
领英推荐
3) Play = living in "Radical Amazement"
The namesake of my childhood-high school, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once said:
“Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
Embracing this mentality has been a vehicle to invite play into my life. This month I feel I've embraced questions like "What if? and "Why not?" leaving myself open to surprise in encountering my own ideas and thoughts - positive or less so.
So if you're looking to incorporate more play, maybe start with leaning into curiosity, unpacking limiting beliefs, and an openness to surprise?
In case you missed it...
Content I've saved this month ??
And last but not least....
I announced my LLC! If you could, please go give my new page some love ?? (A like will do!)
OH and RSVP to join me and Hallie Wiseman ?? ?? talk about Designing a Remote Experience for an Intergenerational Workforce next week!
Creating Cult Brands ????? Increasing Play I Marketing Director
1 年Play is everything.
Social Media Strategist | Team Lead | Creative | Photographer
1 年Loved reading this! There Love this! I feel like I’m in play mode when I’m out and about with my DSLR just taking pictures of anything that looks cool.
Founder & Chief Experience Officer at Third Nature | Adult summer camp weekends + cultivating connection for organizations
1 年As Dr. Stuart Brown says in his book on Play, most adults are suffering from "chronic low-grade play deprivation," the consequences of which are adversely impacting our health, happiness, and potential. A big reason why at Third Nature Summer Camp this year, we're placing an even higher priority on helping participants integrate more?play?into their lives back home, post-camp. Love seeing how you've been doing this recently!
Exploring the future of the creator economy | 3D Artist | Master Introvert | Gamer Nerd
1 年Play is how I learn best. It's how I let my brain out from the confines of the structured day-to-day limits.
CEO @ ephelants / ephelants Tech / Village | Board Member / Advisor | #Entertainment #Media #Tech #Hospitality #Impact # Philanthropy
1 年Great stuff as always. To easy, but.... Have Some Fun Today ;) All kidding aside (or not), I agree. Playtime should not be limited to Pre-K or Senior Citizens ;) Keep spreading wonderful thoughts, ideas and inspiration Danielle Farage!