Archive for the ‘Happiness & Play’ Category

Playtime! Acroyoga

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

In the adult world, play is often frowned down upon — it is expected that we grow up, get a job and be serious. But most adults are just kids trapped in a big bodies wishing they could go out and play. Isn’t that why we all countdown the days to our yearly vacations? And who hasn’t had the Sunday night blues, while thinking about the upcoming workweek? Perhaps the epidemic of depression amongst adults is due to lack of fun and play. So much joy is felt when you become present to the moment and lose yourself in play. You become ageless, fearless and childlike. AcroYoga

So in the Spirit of Play, I set up a playdate for myself. I attended a beginners Acroyoga workshop. What is Acroyoga?! It is a unique practice that blends the spiritual wisdom of Yoga, the loving kindness of Thai Massage and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. The combination of these elements cultivate trust, connection and playfulness. And it was sooooo much fun. Mind you, I do practice yoga on a weekly basis, but never have I done gymnastics, acrobatics or “flown”.

The instructor, Arianne, assured us we would be safe and have a blast. I was game. The class started out with some trust exercises, where the group of 20 of us had to close our eyes and run around the room guided by partners, who we had just met 5 minutes prior. Then we did some partner stretching to warm up.  Then onto the lifting each other into the air, balancing on our partners feet and backs, flying and tumbling, and ending the class with well-earned Thai massage.  The 3 hour workshop flew by — time does fly when you are having fun!  I felt like a kid again.

The Relationship Between Happiness and Beliefs

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

I’ve always loved the quote, “Happiness is Your Responsibility.” This article sums up how our beliefs determine our state of mind and the outcomes in our life. Enjoy!

The Relationship Between Happiness and Beliefs

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Starfish Girl

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night many seashells and starfish had washed upon the beach. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun and cool sea air, the man walked for miles.

As he strolled along, he noticed a small figure dancing in the distance. It made him chuckle to think of someone celebrating life in such an uninhibited way. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that the figure was not dancing. Instead, she seemed to be repeatedly performing some ritual.

He drew nearer still and noticed that the small figure was a child. She was methodically picking up starfish and tossing them into the surf. He paused for a moment, puzzled, then asked, “Why are you throwing these starfish?”

“It’s high tide,” she replied, “If I leave them on the beach, the sun will soon dry them and they will die. I am throwing them into the ocean so they can live.” The man considered her actions, impressed with the child’s thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles of the beach. “There must be thousands of starfish along here,” he said, “you cannot possibly make a difference.”

The young girl stopped. Her face darkened. She chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip, “You’re probably right,” she said softly. She looked down at the sand. Then she leaned over, carefully picked up another starfish, pulled back and arched it gently into the sea.

With a tone of gentle defiance, she said, “But I made a difference for that one.”

What is one small thing you can do today to make a difference in someone’s life?