Invitation to PLAY!
How do you play?
Or better yet: Do you play?
When we play, we want to do it again! And again! For many of us, the challenge is getting started and cultivating the permission mindset to allow for play. Cooperative play, or playing with others, is as simple as scheduling a date with a friend or attending a public event can support this commitment for intentional play. Maybe you can extend an invitation to a friend to join you as a way to increase the play potential and the likelihood for follow-through.
Do you remember what it was like to wander through your neighborhood as a child, to knock on the door and ask your friend’s mom/dad/older sibling, “Can FRIEND come out to play?”
I can remember the feeling of being invited out to play. Maybe because I was always the new kid in town (my family moved a lot), this invitation was a BIG DEAL. Even today, it is such an honor to be selected for invitation to a party, a special ceremony or ritual or just a coffee & a chat. Regardless of the details, the invite matters.
Some of us play the role of the “inviter”. Others are more comfortable being invited. We can do both, but the risk is to fall into the trap of waiting for someone else to take action, to read your mind or to do something new. If you want to play, don’t hesitate to extend an invitation. Even if your friend says no… ask another, ask again later, don’t give up!
Maybe the next step in asking for play is to share this email with a friend who could be a good play partner. Maybe start with… “this made me think of you. Let’s set a play date!” Or extend an invitation to a friend to join you in something you are already committed to doing, like attend a yoga practice or join you for a grocery store run.
A friend in college taught me that if you can have fun with a friend in a grocery store then that is a quality friendship! This “test” has never failed me!
Here’s Your Invitation:
Step 1: Share this email with a friend who could be a good play partner. Maybe start with… “This made me think of you!”
Step 2: Set a date. “Let’s schedule a play date!” If you need a playmate, I’m available! I’d love to hear from you.
Step 3: Choose an adventure or a laid-back connection. Play looks different for different people. Let that be part of the adventure. How do you like to play?
I’d love to hear from you. Reply and share your favorite play story!
*To learn ALL TEN tips for living intimately with joy, join me for Yoga Living!
