Pressing Play: Your secret weapon to move from stuck to spontaneous
The last place I expected to find myself that evening was in a pool...wearing a mermaid fin.
As I wiggled the skin-tight bodice of the fin up to my belly button, I could feel the unfamiliar restriction throughout the bottom half of my body. The excited pre-teen next to me was providing instructions on how exactly my land legs might attempt to get used to this new set-up. Talking a mile a minute, she reminded me that it was easier if I just let my whole body follow my feet, rather than trying to lean on them to get (or keep) my balance.
I had no idea what I was doing, but, I thought: here goes nothing.
An almost audible squeal escaped out of my mouth as I tentatively pushed off the edge of the pool and felt a freedom I haven't felt in a long time - maybe ever. I found myself effortlessly moving across the lengths of the oblong-shaped pool with ease. My legs weren't fighting to kick, instead my body movements mimicked the fluidity of the water, allowing me to explore a soft, rhythmic glide.
Spontaneously, I corkscrewed my body, skimming the surface as I spiraled through the water as if I had been shot out of a rocket. We both giggled.
"You're such a natural!" my young friend exclaimed as she playfully bobbed up and down, her iridescent fin peeking out from behind her. My inner girl just beamed.
When was the last time you pressed "play" in your life?
I'm the first to admit that I often take things WAY too seriously. It's a habit I've been trying to break, for a while now, but too many times I'll catch myself too late, starting intently at a screen or device with an almost-scowl on my face. One of my intentions moving in this year was to incorporate more play in my life, as research has found wide-ranging benefits including stress relief, enhanced resilience, increased creativity, and improved physical health and greater life satisfaction.
But often this is easier said than done.
Walking through the park, I watch kids run by. Not caring who might be watching or what's ahead, they simply emit joy, concerned with nothing other than the moment. Unafraid of stumbling or falling, their adventure is in the doing - the exploring - and the endless opportunity for play that they see in the world around them.
It can be hard to let go of our endless to-do lists, especially with the demands of life that show up relentlessly. And yet to move from being stuck to a life colored by moments of more spontaneous joy, it's crucial that we lean into play, in all forms. This simple switch makes it almost impossible
Here are three tips to move from stuck to spontaneous:
Listen more (and learn to look deeper!): Stuck happens when we don't have the option to make another choice. Get out of your head (and into your body!) by looking deeper. What's the expression on your face? Have you moved your body recently? When was the last time you laughed (or smiled)? Feel into this exact moment. Where do you want to play? How would that look (or feel)? Give yourself time and space to explore what might actually bring you a little more joy in any given moment - and don't be afraid to try.
Let go (and be willing to be surprised...): Part of letting go is saying yes. And in order to try something different, we have to be willing to be uncomfortable. (This is rarely easy.) Ask yourself what you have to lose by letting go in any particular moment. After identifying any actual risks, say yes. Jump in and experiment - play! - without expectations. Start small and when all else fails, be silly! The next time you catch your reflection in a mirror, make a funny face. Letting go is often the hardest part, but when we can say yes and swap judgment for curiosity, we may be surprised at the result.
Lean in (and laugh a lot): Laughter really can be the best medicine, and it's certainly an icebreaker when trying something new. Remember that trying anything for the first time isn't necessarily going to be graceful or feel natural. Go easy on yourself! But if you're going to commit to trying something new, lean in. And don't be afraid to laugh at how ridiculous you look, feel, or sound...or how fun something is! In fact, that might be the best way to embrace this new mode of engaging with the world.
You don't have to swim around a pool wearing a mermaid fin (although it really was the most fun I've had in years). Instead you can dance around your house while you experiment with a new recipe, grab a board game instead of the remote, or ditch your plan for a more spontaneous adventure.
It's never too late to rewind and press play. Start today! Who knows...it might just get you a little unstuck.