One thing I have learned about being an #entrepreneur, you don't get a lot of #play time anymore. That sucks!
I thought being autonomous over your own schedule meant directing your schedule but when you have a "yes" or pleaser type in you, your time slowly diminishes to other people's time, not play time.
I spent 2 weeks over the summer working a children's camp, teaching Farm Yoga, Princess Yoga and a few other child-like themes. It was so much fun. Our imaginations ran wild as we bounced in an old red truck to the farm where we saw cows, farm cats, mice, ducks, alligators (Southern Country farm, leave me alone!) and so much more. Poses like Warrior 3 I renamed "The Weathervane" and described this wind telling apparatus on the peak of a barn. "Barn Pose" was a wide straddle. I introspectively looked at this experience and looked at the kids around me thinking, "I don't PLAY enough, but why? What is play?" This reminded me about Second #Chakra Work.
This lead me into some research and memory about evolution. Specifically toddlers and puppies - when they are growing and learning THEY EAT EVERYTHING. If it tastes good, it's generally safe, fun and they want more of it. If it taste bad or painful, they immediately leave it alone and go for the next interesting thing, head down, 6 inches from the ground, where inevitable they will find something else to gnaw on.
The second Chakra is closely related to the growth phase between 6 months and 2 years old and the characteristics of the moon, feelings, emotions, movement, connection, desire, curiosity, water and nurturance. It's more of a yin chakra. This makes total sense!
As we learn right from wrong, common from unique, there are actions that we are taught are acceptable and not acceptable, this then leads to discipline and eventually abstaining from that curious edge we had always run up against. We we grow up, we have a tendency to do what's acceptable instead of investigate what we were curious about. It's like somehow we are toned down or out of that inherent need to learn or know more. I had to learn more about this! But also, I knew I wanted to learn how to figure it all out - how to PLAY in the real, adult, entrepreneur world.
As we grow older, our preferences become more narrowed and obvious. Perhaps as children, we loved playing in the sand, but as adults, we might enjoy water sports and dislike the sand (like me!). Stuart Brown, a leading researcher on the importance of play, has identified eight play personality types that show dominant traits in adults. If you can identify and know your Play Personality, it will be more obvious how you can enjoy your time and get that play time in! Here are some summaries of what I learned:
The Joker
The Joker is perhaps the most easily recognizable play personality. Known throughout the ages as the goof-off or clown, the Joker never really grew out of engaging in nonsense and silly antics. They love telling "Dad Jokes," making people laugh, and being the center of attention without being competitive. The Joker is always on the lookout for ways to one-up their own laughable character.
The Kinesthete
Derived from the Greek word for movement, the Kinesthete is the mover and shaker. They thrive on physical activity and often push themselves to feel movement while thinking, reading, or performing. This movement isn't about competition; it's about the joy of being active. Athletes are a part of this collective, but so are people who rock in rocking chairs during serious conversations, use a Theraball as a desk chair, or tap their pencils during tests.
The Explorer
We all started off as Explorers, but some of us may have lost enthusiasm over time. Explorers love to discover new realms and use play as a way to remain creative and imaginative. Exploration isn't limited to physical travel; it can also be emotional, such as seeking new feelings, or mental, like researching new subjects from the comfort of your living room.
The Competitor
The Competitor loves to be number one. Whether playing Scrabble after dinner or striving to meet sales goals at work, the Competitor thrives on keeping score and achieving victory. This personality type can appear in various settings, from social and athletic arenas to professional environments.
The Director
Directors are master planners, orchestrators, and event gurus. They love being the go-to person and enjoy organizing parties and outings where others can rely on them for the heavy lifting. While their skills are invaluable, they can sometimes be perceived as manipulators if things don't go as planned.
The Collector
Collectors seek the most, the best, or the most interesting items in a particular category, which is quite different from hoarding. Whether it's works of art, coins, stamps, or watches, Collectors take pride in their curated collections. For example, Jay Leno's extensive car collection is a testament to his passion for collecting.
The Artist/Creator
Artists and Creators love making things, from sculpting and woodworking to painting and gardening. Their creations can be practical, silly, or informative, and they don't have to sell their works to find joy in creating. Many engineers fall into this category, enjoying the process of taking things apart and putting them back together.
The Storyteller
Storytellers thrive on imagination. They might be novelists, cartoonists, or playwrights, and they often enjoy fiction books and vivid imagery. Performers are also storytellers, using movement and acting to bring stories to life. An example of a famous Storyteller is Garrison Keillor (yes, we're related!).
Identifying your play personality can enhance your playtime and bring more joy and creativity into your life. So, which play personality resonates with you the most? I think for me, I am a lot of The Director, The Kinesthete and The Creator. I am NOT competitive or a jokester.
In The Yoga Health Club, I specifically came up with a whole new chapter that focuses just on the theme of PLAY and how to incorporate more of it in your day. If you are interested in attending, just reach out!
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