10 Tips on Play 1. In order to be playful, you don’t have to do anything special. Just be present and you will be spontaneous and flexible in each moment. 2. Don’t beat yourself up for playing imperfectly. Most human beings (well, actually all the ones I know or have met) are blessed with low self-esteem at birth; this gives us a great opportunity to let go of our conditioning, realize our power and enjoy contributing to the world. 3. If you don’t know where to start, watch your kids if you have kids. If you don’t have kids, watch your dog (or cat) being natural and use their model as an inspiration. If you don’t have kids, a dog or cat, take a walk to a park and observe dogs, cats and kids. 4. Remember what you loved to do as a child. Pick something simple that you haven’t done in ages - perhaps fool around with Play-doh or get a coloring book and MAKE YOURSELF draw OUTSIDE the lines. Experiment with your inner creativity with no goals of perfection, only fun. What toy did you always want but never receive? Go out and buy it; play with it. 5. Rent or watch funny movies. It’s easy to get serious in life and sometimes we need to chill out, watching things that get us out of ourselves. 6. Music is great for getting you into the mood if you don’t feel playful. Play with your emotions - put on loud music and make a lot of noise. Pick up a guitar or play the piano if you haven’t done that for a while. Sing! To your heart’s content. 7. Be in nature and listen to your inner voice. You’ll know what you need. Allow yourself to discover the playful path within. 8. One of the best ways to get out of our “thinking mind” and into our bodies is to play “pretend”. Experiment with being the opposite of how you are. Dress up in clothes that are different from the norm for you; play with being decisive if you tend to be indecisive, etc. (You can also dress up as vegetables or act out the way you’d “really like to be”. Try dressing up your pet with a smart accessory like a red bandana, but please don't humiliate them with some of those "sissy" clothes - that's a "pet" peeve of mine - animals have dignity, too, you know.) 9. If you’re suffering from “serious-itis”, take action! This is no time for idleness! Like “couch potato syndrome”, “serious-itis”, if untreated for extended periods of time, can have serious effects on your health, resulting in depression, unwillingness to get out of bed in the morning or even talk to co-workers, family or friends unless absolutely necessary. At the first sign of seriousitis, follow this prescription: a. Acknowledge all the stuff you feel crummy about, on paper, verbally, in a blues song you write or by calling a complaint buddy (best if you clear this with your friend first, or it may be the last complaint session you get to have with them. Make an agreement that this works both ways.) b. Yell, do gibberish, shake out your body, EXPRESS! Those demons. c. Shake your fist and yell, “I’m not gonna take this any more!” (If people are listening and you’re self-conscious, it can be done silently with exaggerated facial expressions - this works especially well in the privacy of bathroom stalls). d. Visualize all your complaints on the floor, stomp on them with great force (and/or use your fists). Option B: if they’re written, burn them up (standing over the toilet’s a good spot). e. Yell to the demons “GET... OFF... MY... BACK!” f. FEEL the gunk sliding out of you. Enjoy the release. g. Make a fun noise, like “Yum!” h. Go for a walk, dance, rent a movie or make wild, passionate love (I recommend consensus on this latter one). 10. CHOOSE! To be playful - because you deserve to feel good. Write an affirmation that says, “I choose to be playful... because I’m GREAT! And I deserve it.” Put it on your refrigerator, a mirror, anywhere you’ll see it on a daily basis.