A Great Life is a Delicate Balance Between Work and Play

We are always in a hurry, racing towards the next deadline or commitment. But in this relentless pursuit of the next success and productivity, have we lost something precious along the way?

Are we losing our play?

Mark Rowlands, professor of philosophy at the University of Miami and author Running with the Pack, says:

“Play, not work, brings us fully to life.”

I couldn’t agree more.

The whole art of living is a delicate balance between work and play.

In our race for success, we forget to have plain old fun.

Our lives have become a never-ending to-do list, and we’ve lost the art of spontaneous, unstructured play.

Play isn’t just for kids; it’s a fundamental part of being human.

Your world transforms and takes on a whole new life when you embrace your inner child. It’s how you rediscover the thrill of living.

“Play is not the activity but the attitude. It’s the mindset,” says the Founder of the Primal Play Method, Darryl Edwards.

The real art of living is not just about surviving or going through the motions; it’s about finding that delicate balance, that sweet spot where you thrive.

Life isn’t meant to be a never-ending grind where all you do is work, work, and work some more.

It’s not healthy, and honestly, it’s not enjoyable either.

But on the flip side, a life solely dedicated to play, devoid of responsibility and purpose, lacks substance.

The true art of life lies in harmonising these two forces.

Work provides us with structure, goals, and the means to grow. It gives life depth and meaning. It’s the framework to compose a life.

But, and this is crucial, it’s equally vital to embrace play, leisure, and enjoyment. It’s where you find the colour, the laughter, and the moments that make life worth living.

Play is where you create memories, nurture relationships, and find the magic in the everyday moments. Without it, your life lacks depth, and you risk becoming a workaholic robot.

Think of it this way: Work is like the engine that propels you forward, while play is the fuel that keeps that engine running smoothly.

If you focus too much on work and neglect play, that engine can overheat, break down, and leave you stranded in a desolate place of stress, burnout, and monotony.

On the flip side, if you prioritise play at the expense of work, you might find yourself constantly scrambling to make ends meet, with your dreams and ambitions slipping away like sand through your fingers.

But when you find that delicate balance, you create a synergy where work enhances your play and play enriches your work.

Your creativity soars, productivity skyrockets, and your life becomes a harmonious blend of purposeful effort and joyful leisure.

It’s a beautiful experience.

When you strike that balance, you’re not just existing but truly living. You’re pursuing your curiosities, but you’re also fulfilling your duties.

It’s the best way to design a meaningful life.

And it’s a pursuit that, I believe, defines a well-rounded, fulfilled life.

Think of an extraordinary life as a tightrope; on one side, you’ve got your work, responsibilities, and all the serious stuff that keeps the bills paid.

On the other side, you’ve got play, leisure, your curiosities, “outside work activities.,” and all the things that light up your soul.

Everything else that makes you come alive.

If you can find both elements in what you do for work, you’ve struck the sweet spot, my friend.

I hardly think of writing as work.

It’s the best way to explore my curiosities. I come alive when I’m researching and writing on topics I deeply care about.

“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realise it is play,” says author and self-styled “philosophical entertainer” Alan Watts.

But most people don’t fulfilment at work.

That’s why you have to design play into your life deliberately.

When you allocate time for work and play, you not only become a more well-rounded person but also a happier one.

Your work becomes more efficient because you’re recharged, and your play is more enjoyable because you’re not weighed down by stress.

Find that spark, the “joie de vivre” that gives depth to your existence

“The person who can laugh with life has developed deep roots with confidence and faith-faith in oneself, in people and in the world,” says the “Laughing Philosopher,” Democritus.

“Joie de vivre” is a French concept that celebrates the simple pleasures and the richness of life’s experiences.

It’s often used to describe a person who approaches life with an upbeat attitude, finding delight in everyday experiences and making the most of their time.

Life isn’t just about clocking in and out.

If work consumes you entirely, you risk burning out and losing sight of why you’re creating in the first place. On the other hand, if you indulge in play without responsibility, your masterpiece lacks substance and direction.

The key is to make time for both.

Embrace the ebb and flow, knowing that work might sometimes dominate and play takes centre stage at others.

There’s beauty in this dynamic equilibrium.

The great art of living is about mastering the many things that make you come alive. It’s not a one-size-fits-all formula, though.

It’s about understanding your own rhythms, knowing when to push yourself and when to ease up.

It’s about crafting a life where you’re not just surviving but truly thriving. So, don’t be afraid to take a step back, reflect on your priorities, and fine-tune that balance to make your life a masterpiece.

Think of your life like a grand canvas, and as the artist, you have the power to paint it with the perfect mix of work and play.

When you strike that balance, you don’t just exist — you thrive, and your life becomes a work of art that’s uniquely yours.

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