The Importance of Playfulness

photo: melissa jean/www.melissajean.com.au

by Kia Imandel

Children play… and they do it full-time. This is how they learn about life. Being playful helps to develop imagination and expand abstract thinking.

Playfulness works for adults, too. The “life-is-a-playground” approach teaches us how to think outside the box and find creative solutions. It develops confidence and brings great people into our lives. People like to be around light-hearted, outgoing individuals with a good sense of humor.

Seeing life as a game brings light into a daily routine. We all have some playfulness inside, although some people show it more than others. If you want to be young at heart (and also look younger) re-capture your playful attitude!

“Humanity advanced not because it has been sober, responsible and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious and immature.”

-Tom Robbins 

Being playful is not about acting like a child, but connecting with the qualities that children bring into their lives as they grow, such as curiosity, imagination, joy, sense of adventure, energy, enthusiasm, courage, energy, optimism, spontaneity, trust and much more. In general, playfulness is about bringing fun into learning and daily life.

Playing can be educational by helping kids to understand the world, explore their surroundings, learn how life works, and how to relate to others.  Unfortunately, many children are being taught to dismiss playing in lieu of technology; many often become adults way too early. The good news is that it's never too late to re-introduce play! Here are some tips for adding playfulness into your life:

Professionally 

• Decorate your work area with lights, colors, gadgets, or wild posters.
• Buy an iPod! Bring music into your working hours.
• Join (or start) a sports team (baseball, volleyball, tennis, golf).
• Take a class or attend seminars or lectures with others in your profession.
• Use your breaks and lunch hours to move around and visit with others.

Personally 

• Go out dancing!
• Go to a party (or throw one)
• Go to an amusement park
• Start an exercise program
• Play a musical instrument

Juice up every moment of your life -- relationships, work, dating, with a generous dose of playfulness. This is your life and you deserve to enjoy it!

Playful people like to surprise people and be surprised – they are open to spontaneity and can be flexible in the face of a challenge or change. 

Kia Imandel is an enthusiast who is committed to creating communities of integrity, contribution, and wisdom that transform life and leave a legacy of love for future generations. With a background in early childhood development and various life-changing workshops, Kia is dedicated to helping people find their authentic self and live their true purpose. She has found herself in the role of a leader, trainer, and a salesperson for most of her life, with a passion towards positive thinking and optimism. She leads her life full of love and excitement ... and it is her goal to share this with the universe! Contact Kia: Kia@next-element.com or (818)448-5114.

Connect with Kia and Next Element: Facebook, Twitter, Get PCM app, RSS feed and see Process Man

Communicate for a Change! Interested in a powerful, enlightening communication class? Have you lost your playfulness while being wrapped up in "trying hard" to impress yourself and others? Do you want it back? Process Communication Model can change your communication skills and your life. For more information read the article on PCM and communicating effectively with children in Bamboo here.

Join Kia at the next Process Communication and Self-Efficacy classes happening 11/9/12 and 2/28/13 in Los Angeles, Ca by contacting Kia@next-element.com.