Rekindle Your Joy by Harnessing the Power of Play

It was one of those weeks that I felt like I was dragging my feet in the mud. Everything seemed to be an effort and nothing seemed to flow.

I was involved in past conflicts - inappropriate contact with my boyfriend, which led to injuries on both sides, and a work problem that made me nervous and insecure.

In an effort to calm my mind and be more present, I meditated and sang the words over and over, but the tape of my speech continued to play in my head. He scolded me for not treating the situation better and made me feel that I was not good enough.

A cloud of despair began to wander around the edges of my mind, threatening to block me from the sun of the wind. I was captivated by thoughts of contempt. Self-control seemed to be the farthest point I could ever make.

I live in the beautiful part of Mexico, but even the tropical heat was not enough to keep me out of mental trouble.

After that, my sister came to visit from the provinces, taking a long weekend off from work. It was really nice and I just knew where to take him. We drove to the Pacific Ocean in secret, where we spent the rest of the day.

When we arrived, we saw that the sea was generally calm during a long storm. The waves hit the shoreline, and strong winds blew across our cheeks.

Take me to the water anyway. I did not have the courage to stand up to the raging waves, but I slipped into a shallow white watch. He surrounded me like a natural Jacuzzi. The shifting waves threatened to injure my foot, so I crouched down to avoid rolling over like a bowling alley.

Releasing the controller, I was touched by the push and pull of the current. At one point, a huge wave broke out, sending in a tidal wave. It blew me away like machine laundry. A good laugh escaped my lungs as I wandered around in a windy place, completely alive for now.

It bathed me on the beach as a happy sign and I came in with its simple joy. My hair was drenched with sand and salt, and my sweets were twisted around me. My sister sat quietly on the shore and, seeing my miserable condition, laughed with me before stepping into the water with me.

We giggled with all our heart as we played in the shallows as children. I opened the white lime wave with my hands and stretched it out, letting the water carry me like a branch. At that moment, nothing but water and a cry of joy came out of me.

The joy I had escaped last week was compounded by the power of playfulness.

Sometimes even the most severe spiritual action is not enough to provide the change we need, and when play becomes an integral part of our lives.

We just need to watch a small child playing in the mud or a puppy picking up a stick to see the power of play. It is a medical practice that restores us to our purity and brings us to the present moment; no mourning is required.

As children we enjoyed the power of play and saw life as one big game we could participate in. We all threw ourselves down on the grassy hills or to play the mark instead of spending time in our heads anxious and planning.

As adults we often forget that play still needs to be a part of our lives. No matter how old we are, it is possible for us to return to that pure happy place in us.

It may take more effort for us to make time to play, but it is worth it for the mental and physical benefits.

Here are five simple ways to use the power of play in your daily life and restore your happiness:

1. Go into the woods.

Forests make a beautiful playground, and spending time in nature is a great cure. Blow through the piles of fallen leaves and toss them into the air like a natural confetti. Climb the tree and awaken your child-like amazement.

If you want to achieve your happiness, play the "hide and seek" game between trees and a friend. You will be amazed at how fun this game can be as an adult.

2. Play soccer.

Play soccer, any kind of ball! Whether it’s tennis, soccer, or shooting hoops, the body-to-body communication required for soccer games is sure to relieve stress and reverse patterns of negative thoughts. Visit your driving list to hit golf balls. Even if you have never played golf before, this can be very fun.

3. Dance up the storm.

One of my favorite ways to play is to introduce music and dance around the house. Dance in your bedroom, kitchen, or backyard, even if you don't have other people. In fact, solo dancing that no one else is watching offers a great release of endorphins that are good for the mind, body, and spirit.

4. Host game night.

Next time your friends want to meet, why not make a game of the night instead of going to a bar or a restaurant? Games like charades Pictionary or even the classic Twister show the play side of older adults.

5. Visit your local park.

Visiting your local park is one of the easiest ways to play. Swing on the swing, slide down the slide, and if there is a mound of grass taking you, roll it! Being an adult does not mean that you should give up your favorite childhood activities.

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We can all use the power of play to achieve the happiness that is always within us. Making time to play in our lives between work, relationships, and other commitments can reduce stress, turn negative thinking into spontaneous laughter, and can be the greatest gift