Work or Play?

This morning, renewed by the fact that I didn't have to bust my brain studying for an exam, I got to thinking. As Jules left for work, she said to herself"I am going to have a great day at work". It's her way of manifesting a pleasant, productive day at her job....and a technique that I think does have some definite bearing on how her day goes. Well, a light went on in my head and I told her what if she changed that "great day at work" into a "great day at play". I wonder if that would change anything?

It seems to me that by merely switching those words, we can have an even more profound effect on our day. Even in play, we encounter challenges but we treat them not as obstacles and sources of discontentment, but as ways to get even more out of our experience. Think about not being able to hit a golf ball straight (a problem of mine). I can't do it but occasionally things work out (and planets align) so that I can smack it on a frozen rope out on the fairway. Just because I can't do it all the time doesn't make me angry because ultimately, I am PLAYING! Now I realize that some of you golfers out there might be saying "hitting the ball crooked DOES make me angry". Well, if that makes you angry, I would hate to see you at work. Just kidding.....but if we try to make our work as play and start by switching some words around (words are pretty powerful things....don't believe me, try complementing someone and see what happens) maybe our brains will somehow switch on that little pleasure knob and make our day of work, studying or running errands just a little more pleasurable.

With that said, another idea that came to mind is being a student of the universe. Think about what it means to be student....not too hard for me but it may be to others. I always think of a student as someone who learns and observes. It is the second piece about observation that I want to focus on. If you find yourself stuck in a mindless task or maybe in a waiting line, take a look at what you are doing or what is happening around you. Try to be aware of what makes the motions you are doing work. What does it sounds like where you are? What are the scents in the air? Are there any colors that you are particularly drawn to? How does standing there make your bones or muscles feel? Bring awareness and observation to yourself and your environment can allow you to fulfill the first part of what I think it means to be a student, learning. Learn how you feel, how to react, how to observe. Ultimately, I think the point is to then remove any of these preconceptions and just be in the moment and react to a situation but by practicing this first, maybe it is possible to get to that goal of "nowness" a little sooner. That "nowness" is new, exciting and just like being at play!

Enjoy your day at PLAY!