I think of my yoga class as play time.  We pause, breathe and always laugh a little.  As I lead the class, I let myself be creative.  I am inspired by my own yoga practice, observations of participants on that day, or by something that I have read.  Some of the class is almost like "free play".  If you have watched kids play freely, you can see this perfect blend of creativity and play.  

From what I read, kids don't have enough of this unstructured free play.  But I would have to say that adults don't get enough either.  We were all meant to play and it is through play that we tap into our creativity.  When we get stuck in the schedule of daily life: wake up, eat, go to work, attend meetings, email, and the never ending "to do" list, even our opportunities for play and creativity are squelched because of time constraints.  We schedule our exercise into 30-60 minutes and either mindlessly watch TV or let someone else lead us through movement (yoga included!).

Play is important to tap into the creative mind.  If we don't play it begins to take a toll on the body.  The work/play balance in life is related to the 2nd chakra of our body's energetic system.  This energetic center is located at the level of the lower belly, low back, and hips.  An imbalance in life between work and play can result in dysfunction to any of the body regions of this area, for example: constipation,  hemorrhoids, low back pain, or hip pain.

Creativity is also related to the 2nd chakra, but the expression of our creativity is more related to the 5th chakra.  This energetic center is located at the level of the neck and throat.  A block in this area, i.e. not freely expressing your creative side, can result in reflux, thyroid imbalance, or neck pain. (Anatomy of the Spirit, Caroline Myss)

Do you have symptoms of "not enough play"?  How can you insert a little play time into each day?  If you haven't played in a while, you might forget how.  If you resist your regular exercise because it seems like work, turn it into playtime.  Allow your self some freedom of movement.  If you need some help in getting started, check out my friend Lindsay's blog for activities in central Ohio:  http://www.findwhereyoufit.com/.  Or look for my friend @charlesgibsonfitness on Instagram.  He records fun videos of Adult Recess!

Let your weekly yoga class inspire you to try the movement at home.  Throw perfect form out the window and just pay close attention to what your body wants to do.  It will lead your through new movements and I know you will feel better.

So tell me, how do you play? What play have you given up because of time or performance expectations ("too old" or "not good at it anymore").  Please share so that we can all be inspired more and tap into creativity.

From the latest 21-day meditation series, Desire and Destiny Day 18, with Deepak Chopra and Oprah: "When we are engaged in play, we connect with the heart".  My bet is when we play with others we make a heart to heart connection.

Regular classes are back on the schedule starting tomorrow August 10: Tuesday 1pm for Gentle YPT and 5:45 for Ongoing YPT where we focus on spine safe movements.

Namaste,

Stephanie

#workplaybalance #yogaphysicaltherapist #desireanddestiny #21daymeditationexperience