Brown has conducted more than 6,000 play studies on what goes wrong
when people do not play-studying everything from serial killers to
career-driven CEOs. Given the current plethora of economic turmoil,
negative news, layoff paranoia and growing unemployment lines, the
notion of taking time to play sounds like a childish daydream. But if
Brown is right, we could become a nation of stress-filled, hypertensive
individuals who suffer far more than we need to and-at the very
extreme-become downright dangerous to ourselves and others.
Brown is not original in his assertion. Anacharsis, a 6th BCE philosopher
insisted that we are to, "Play so that you may be serious." Even in the
Hellenistic world, play gave rise to scientists, writers, philosophers, and
builders of great civilizations.
If you consider that the task before us is to build rebuild our cities,
our enterprises, and our global community, then play becomes the
non-chemical stimulant for channeling stress into productive outputs.
Play takes many forms. The trick is to find one that resonates with you.
Consider these examples:
Marc, a job-hunting, highly skilled communications expert in the
entertainment field, coaches lacrosse when he's not interviewing. He appears
more calm and confident since he started helping youngsters succeed in his
favorite sport.
Glenna, a recent widow and entrepreneur, has started dance lessons and
added Bible study to her spare time. Her laugh comes easier now and she's
discovering new ventures for her skill.
Tom, faced with early retirement, collects Japanese postcards from the
1900s.
Neil, the CEO of a consulting company, goes to an organic farm and helps
his wife prepare scrumptious vegan meals.
Eunice, a vice president in an international organization rides her
Icelandic horse at every opportunity.
And a president named Obama unwinds with a game of hoops. Certainly no
other leader in modern time has had to face so many internal and external
challenges and yet he finds time to play!
Think of these examples and you'll note that play is as much a state of
mind as it is an activity. It is a mental release that reduces stress levels
in the body and engages the brain in a totally different type of thinking.
Take these three steps to enter the world of play:
1. Give yourself permission to play. Put a play date with yourself on the
calendar and treat it as sacred as the meeting with your most important
client. Remind yourself that you'll be refreshed and thinking more clearly
if you play.
2. Find the play that best suits you. Start a Play diary, writing down
moments of well-being. It might be something that occurred during the week.
It might be as simple as walking the dog or as complex as taking an
eco-adventure tour. It might be a romantic night with your best beloved or a
sweaty 100-mile bike ride. Whatever it is-in the doing, you feel a sense of
contentment and joy.
3. Pass play along. Encourage others. Make sure you're not the driver who
keeps employees chained to their desks but rather, lead the way. If you're
in a position to do so, create a Fun Friday where everyone takes a turn at
coming up with something that evokes joy, laughter, and contentment. One
organization forbade e-mail on Fridays between anyone in the building.
Instead, messages were sent via a paper airplanes.
Martin Buber, German Jewish biblical scholar believed that "play is the
exultation of the possible." Isn't that what we all are looking for now-what
is possible!
Go play....so you might be serious.
(c) 2009, McDargh Communications.
Since 1980, Hall of Fame speaker Eileen McDargh has helped Fortune
100 companies as well as individuals create connections that count and
conversations that matter. Executive Excellence ranks her among the top 100
thought-leaders in leadership development. To hire Eileen to teach your
leaders and staff Radical Resilience for these difficult times visit
http://www.eileenmcdargh.com/program-radical-resilience.html
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Bonnie Jo Davies
