Play is not a frivolous activity It's a path to connection and creativity.
Adam Grant
Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you. We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective personal growth journeys.
Life goes in circles...all aspects of life...expansion, contraction, every part is equal, valued, necessary to be in balance...
The seasonal cycles play a significant role in our daily lives, influencing our moods, energy levels, and overall well-being. The annual and monthly Co-Creative Mandalas have a vibration that anchors, activates specific qualities, and represents something about the natural world and the energy in the universe at a particular time. The mandalas support aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of the Great Mandala and enhance our sense of connection--within, with each other, and the world.
This month's mandala is Playfulness.
This Co-Creative Mandala, Playfulness, from a photo of fuchsia (symbolizes resilience) and squash blossoms (symbolizes abundance) is associated with all the chakras. It reminds us we don't need to deny our playful selves even when we're focusing on the tasks at hand. Playfulness and work can coexist peacefully as long as we approach each with balance. It’s time to be playful, let curiosity lead, and allow your imagination to help you dream without limits. When you let your playful imagination soar, you discover that miracles and magic can, and do, happen.
I hope this finds you well.
And just like that... it's the fall equinox!
Fall--at least for the last couple of days-- is in the air here in northern Colorado. I sense that big changes are coming in nature--sunny summer days are still here, but there's a crisp, coolness in the air at night. The daylight hours are shorter, leaves are beginning to change colors, and the bountiful fruits, veggies, and flowers are reaching their peak. I'm noticing the shifting of light and the seasons. Every day is different, some are warm and sunny, some are cold and grey. The end of summer feels like something new is about to start.
I don't know about you, but I've been experiencing a roller coaster of feelings the last few weeks. Fear, excitement, grief, strength and joy. During times like these self care, including playfulness, has been the cornerstone of my journey to unconditional self love and self compassion, and to remembering my wholeness. Slowing down, relaxing deeply, and bringing levity to life enables me to sense the loving life force that is flowing to, through and as me at all times.
The equinoxes symbolize perfect balance between light and dark, reminding us to seek equilibrium in our own lives. Fall marks a season of transformation and letting go. Traditionally, it's a time for gratitude, harvesting the fruits of our efforts, and preparing for the introspective months ahead.
How can you draw upon and nurture the equinox energies to keep the connection between your hopes and vision and what is emerging now and in the future? This is a great time to celebrate, review, and "harvest" the intentions you set in January. Just like the seeds we planted in spring and nurtured all throughout the summer, our intentions are coming to fruition now. What did you plant in the spring that is emerging now? What are you releasing now?
And, this is the perfect time to envision intentions for the next few months. While January is the most common time to set resolutions or intentions for the year, September can be the perfect launching pad for your end-of-the-year goals and intentions. They may be similar to the ones you set at the New Year or they may be entirely different because you've grown and changed since the beginning of the year. Be creative, be playful with your intentions! As you focus on what’s ending, open your heart to what’s about to begin.
Let this time of the year inspire you to release what doesn't serve you and embrace a new beginning. Set fresh intentions that will bring you in alignment with what you desire. September offers a great opportunity to navigate the rest of the year with a renewed sense of playfulness and purpose. Even if you think that you're "too old", or "too busy", "or too...." for playfulness I believe we are constantly tapping into that creative force whether we realize it or not.
The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter, and the spirit heals with joy.
Unknown
All things in life go through phases, just like the seasons. Each season has its own set of needs and demands. When we allow ourselves to be fully present, embrace what is and live it fully, life feels rich and rewarding. Bringing more playfulness to your life is good for you and everyone around you.
Think about something important to you. Maybe it's a project or a job. Perhaps a hobby or a relationship. What season are you in right now? How can you bring more playfulness to what's important to you?
Simple ways to ignite playfulness:
1. Be on the lookout for people with a good sense of humor. Whose sense of humor or lightness of being do you admire and why?
2. Life is full of oxymorons- from holy wars to jumbo shrimp. Make a list of 20 humorous oxymorons and share them with a friend.
3. Take yourself lightly. Can you laugh at one of your foibles?
Finding balance is a deeply personal journey. So, invest the time you need for self-care and fun. There’s no doubt that you have the ability to build a strong foundation. You're resilient. You can move forward into fall with more power and wisdom.
From the Web...
As we step out of childhood and mature, the emotion of “playfulness” can become a foreign concept to our nervous system. However, it's never too late to reclaim this emotion, and its ripple affect creates magic. The dictionary definition of playfulness: Full of fun and high spirits; frolicsome or sportive.
When was the last time you were frolicsome? If you can't remember...then it's been way too long!
It’s time to inject a little levity, humor and playfulness into our lives. Let’s lighten up!
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