everything begins with an idea

Had this not been a statue, I’d swear that an idea was being born!

idea – (as defined by miriam-webster)
1. an entity (as a thought, concept, sensation or image) actually or potentially present to consciousness.
2. a formulated thought or opinion

idea – (as defined by the urban dictionary)
1. usually something stupid that pops into your head right before you get hurt
2. a thought, plan, notion, anything that is conjured up in the brain and sometimes put into action and/or shared with the rest of the crowd.

I agree with all of the above. Particularly, the part about getting hurt. If we let our minds play, we will quickly notice that we’re full of ideas! The difference between ideas we pursue and ideas we never share comes down to some sort of financial and emotional cost/benefit analysis. The financial analysis speaks for itself but it’s the emotional analysis that has much to do with our choices. What will others think about my idea? Will my idea be successful? Will my idea fail? What if my idea is not good enough? Perhaps there grows a fear of an assault to one’s self-esteem.

Martha Graham said, “first we have to believe, and then we believe.”

Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right.”

Woody Allen said, “If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.”

Thomas Alva Edison said, “If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”

We have to find belief in ourselves from the very place where our ideas are born. We have to take risks and reach beyond our comfort zones to grow stronger, wiser and more satisfied in our lives. The next time your little yellow light bulb goes off, embrace it, explore it and take it seriously. Reengage with your creative, inventive and playful self!

laughter

Robert Frost said that “If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.” When you consider the many things that laughter does for us, e.g.: relaxes the body, exercises the lungs, reduces stress, improves heart functioning, increases blood flow, boosts the immune system and releases those feel-good endorphins, Mr. Frost was probably right!

There certainly are many serious times and events in life. However, if we take a moment to step back and gain perspective, we may realize that many of the things keeping us from being lighthearted just aren’t that serious!

Did you know that the average person laughs 15 times a day? When was the last time that you really let yourself go and laughed so hard that you cried? Or that you laughed so hard that your belly hurt?

Today, make it your job, your intention, to get silly, to play, to let yourself be tickled and to let out a good laugh. Then, do it again, and again, and again!

look around. be amazed.

I was walking with a friend and pointed out a sculpture in the shape of a rabbit. She turned to me and said “you have the eyes of a three-year-old!” This is one of the best compliments I’ve ever received.

When did we stop noticing the little things that surround us? At what age did we abandon our childlike curiosity? How frequently do we take a moment to step out of the whirlwind of our adult lives, unplug ourselves from our technologically rich surroundings, to breathe, find balance and nourish our souls?

Take a moment to watch the children around you; take some time to see the world through their eyes. Notice what they notice, what they think about, what makes them smile and giggle. Consider the power in simplicity.

What can you do to make your life less complicated? Simpler? Or at the very least, what can you do to create some easier, playful moments for yourself? Schedule it in if you must. Do what you need to do to make it happen every day. It is worth it. You are worth it. 

whatever happened to recess?

Do you remember having recess in school? That period during the day when you got a break and everyone went outside, ran around, played on equipment, played tag or simply made up a fun game? When did recess disappear from your schedule? Do you miss it? What do you do for play in your life today and how often do you make time for it?

Plato said, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Play decreases inhibitions and allows for your authentic self to shine through.

Brian Sutton-Smith said that “The opposite of play is not work, it is depression.” Indeed.

Why do adults need to play? Play provides the critical space for the use of imagination, creativity and mind/body integration, while fostering the development of physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is instinctual and can make us happier, more flexible and more resilient in the world. And let’s face it. Play is good for the soul! Play decreases stress and increases empowerment and pleasure in life.

Today I invite you to consider reintegrating the idea of recess into your days. Every day. Yep, that’s right. Every day. Do something that feels fun, playful, uninhibited and free once a day and take note of how it feels, as well as the cumulative effect on your body and soul. Off you go, play away and have some FUN!

\in-ˈten(t)-shən\

intention – \in-ˈten(t)-shən\ – a determination to act in a certain way : resolve

American dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham, said that “first we have to believe, and then we believe.”

Having conscious intention, determination and a belief in ourselves, allows us to align our personal value system with our actions. Why is that important? Because when our actions don’t match our values, we become dissatisfied and distressed.

Conscious intention also allows us to transform our lives into what we envision for ourselves.

Begin with your values. What do you value? Perhaps friends, family, authenticity, honesty, a well-balanced life, honoring your self, honoring your body, unconditional acceptance of your body, self-acceptance…

What actions match these values? Connecting with friends and family, being authentic, balancing work, play, sleep, food, etc., paying attention to your emotional and physical needs, doing away with judgment, showing unconditional positive regard towards your body and your self…

What is/are your intention(s)? To connect with people, to express your feelings, to be compassionate towards yourself… How often do you think about it?

What is your conscious intention today?