Re-Wilding Play
Heyo- do you want to know something wild, and probably not surprising? We as adults… over complicate things. Ha, thats right, we are steeped in the belief that “no pain no gain”- or “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” is the way to make lasting change in our lives. Can anyone else give me an exhausted exhale if you feel me on this?!
As a Massage Therapist and Somatic Guide and I spend time with folx that are desiring change of some kind ( emotional, physical, spiritual). They want to outgrow that which is holding them back, and I want to help them get there. One of my favorite ways to do this is by making healing a game! Could we be so bold as to decide that we will work with our nervous systems, and disarm the parts of our body that work tirelessly to keep us safe when we are doing important work? I think so :)
Children are great teachers and models of this- I watched a little boy in yellow boots walking hand in hand with his daddy across the Freemont Bridge. He suddenly stopped walking and started stomping and kicking up his feet, wiggling around and smiling ear to ear. In the middle of the sidewalk, unprompted, and with no one giving him permission. Ha, it even made his dad have to change his step, and slow down to accommodate the little jig. It wasn't long, but it was clear that he just couldn’t wait. He just was so in his body, and present so he gave himself the gift of a moment of play. I was delighted and inspired y’all.
It got me thinking, what are the barriers for adults that keep us from giving our bodies this gift?
Why have we conditioned ourselves to save up for a one weekend every 6 months planned bit of play lifestyle model- instead of taking small mini moments to be silly, playful and allow our stress responses to take a little break daily?
My favorite ways to incorporate play into regular life… costs nothing but the willingness to try.
HOWL- yes, actually make sounds like a wolf that is making her voice known. I do this in my car mostly. As I am driving, I first turned up my music ( for the first few times to get comfy with my voice) and then I just let myself howl, growl, snarl, and hiss. This allows the throat chakra to clear and without judgement or need to be perfect, you just get to play with sound.. I find that the diaphragmatic breathing that takes place to make my animal sound last longer also gives me some deep breaths that I often forget to take. This is your call back to the wild, the untamed, the playfulness of a game.
WIGGLE- have you noticed how much kiddos move and how still adults try to be? Turn on a song, and put in headphones, and then at your desk, home office, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen just shake, wiggle,stomp, move some part of your body. It doesn't have to be the whole song, and you do not have to look good doing it- just channel our yellow boot clad lad as an example and give yourself 30 seconds of energy release. Pick a song that matches your mood, and get jiggy wid it.
MAKE BELIEVE- another life hack from our kiddos. When was the last time you let yourself dream about what you want? Not in a goal setting, goal oriented way, but have you taken yourself on a trip in your mind to a part of the world that interests you through a youtube channel, blog, or researching cool treehouses to stay in around the world? My latest find was this beautiful new bucket list visit Dolphin Coast, South Africa. I instantly feel a little less stuck when I picture myself in a new place. Go on baby, dream a little.
WOW your senses- sometimes it can feel daunting to play because what we see in our everyday life looks mundaine, average, or lacking sparkle. My new favorite way to tantalize my eyes, nose and spirit is with the Nebulizing Diffuser by Organic Aromas. This stunning diffuser changes colors, creates a steady stream of pure essential oils into the air, and fills my room with everyday magic. I love that simply turning on the switch, can evoke a change in mood, environment and playfullness in me.
Literally start somewhere, release a little of the reigns of perfectionism and adulting and see what happens. You just might suprise yourself.
P.S. If you’re craving MORE than just practices….if you want a real community of Lioness Queens, I invite you to check out my signature C.L.A.W.S. Program. This 6-week program infuses play, community and action to help you step into your power. It is trauma-informed and provides an intimate container to help you cultivate awareness, nourish yourself, and take authentic authorship of your life, future and reality. Join the C.L.A.W.S. Program now, your queendom awaits.