Tuesday, November 3, 2009

mindful play

This version is re-colored just a bit
since I published it.






























22 comments:

Michael Leddy said...

Elaine and I both read and enjoyed this post. She is dancing with a pink shirt as I write.

Elaine Fine said...

Mindful play is what musicians do (and need to remember to do all the time, especially when playing concerts). The mechanical work of preparing for concerts is the thing that allows musicians to be at play "in the moment" (or in the series of moments that makes up a concert). We just have to trust in ourselves, and let go of all the obstacles we encounter (and conquer) while we practice; and we have to be at play while also maintaining full concentration. That's part of the fun of it all.

Thank you for this wonderful post.

Peggy said...

What a stellar post! I will be getting that book. Meanwhile, I find my paddling to be a form of very present-moment play. I never know what will be around the next bend in the river, and whatever it is may only be there for a moment, but it is a wonderful moment! And then it's time to move on to the next one.

Anne said...

I asked myself, "when do I play?" A smile came to my face when I thought of how I dance and do the crazy walk with my granddaughter! Youth brings the playfulness back into my heart! Thank you for a beautiful post!

DeVona said...

Enjoyed your post! I often play when I do dishes; I plug a strand on lights in over the sink, turn on the oldies radio station and boogie around as I wash, because no one else tends to wander in the kitchen while I'm doing what they may think of as drudgery. Cinderella has learned to transform the dishes into disco!

bobbie said...

A very thoughtful post.

I am supposed to be an adult, but I hate competition - except with myself. I have never liked it. I think it is pointless to compete with others except in the spirit of pure fun. It only brings anger, disappointment and generally bad feeling. In some, it tends to encourage cheating in order to get the better of someone. I just want to enjoy what I am doing, and to applaud others.

Lana Gramlich said...

Dogs are truly among the most amazing creatures on Earth & I've often thought our society would be a much better place if we all sought to be more like our canine friends. If there's an animal on our planet that has no guile or ability to lie, it is the dog. It knows what it did & all it wants is to make everything okay again as quickly as possible. It just wants to love & be with others. What better aim can we have?

kjkljk;ljljgjgfuyhd said...

It is now my mission to find more time for play this week. This post is amazing!

Margaret Benbow said...

I happen to have the flu, and when I read your charming post, for the first time in a couple days thought I might live!

Sheer play: I love to bake a big, luscious dessert (Queen of Sheba cake or Apple Crisp or chocolate mousse pie) while listening to the Met opera on the radio Saturday afternoons.

Thank you for highlighting the virtues of dogs--it made me realize all over again that we're blessed to have two playful and affectionate shelties. Yes, they love without guile.

Aimlesswriter said...

I've been up since 2 am. I won't be home tonight till almost midnight. (I'm an election official!) But when I get home I'm going to dance with my kitchen towel and think of Crayons cause you always make me smile.
:)

Lawendula said...

Caroline, my dear friend, when will you ever make a book!? It's so wonderful to see your drawings, I just love them! My favorite are the playing dogs!!!
xoxo FM

Balisha said...

Hi Caroline,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I think my brain plays...when I write a poem. This is a wonderful post.
Balisha

Stark Raving Zen said...

What a treat to find that you've posted a new entry. I'm never disappointed! This one was my favorite. The dog / Zen reference was perfect. I have the Jack Kornfield book on my shelf but haven't read it yet. Maybe it's time to... :)

TR Ryan said...

Beautiful! and thanks for the shout out to dogs! Do you recommend the Kornfield book? The title is certainly apropos.

You are one of the wisest people I know!

Jacky said...

I love your posts...and must now search out the book you have recommended.
I love to *play*, but like most adults dont make enough time to just play, enjoy, be happy.
Thanks so much for the reminder (and for popping by to say hello).

Jacky xox

Margaret said...

Three comments:

1. This post speaks to me, very deeply. I forgot how to play a long time ago.

2. I posted a link on my facebook and now you have 10 more readers.

3. Go to Lulu and make us a book to give our loved ones this holiday season!! Please???

Merisi said...

Exquisite post, I enjoyed it immensely! :-)

Sugar Lump Studios said...

thank you for the kind comments on my blog...I enjoyed my visit here and was inspired by reading what you had posted. I have to play (creative time) to relieve stress and keep my soul happy! :) Have a wonderful Thursday!

Sophie said...

I found you on Janine's blog. This is such a great little art and thought and feeling space. I love the idea of remembering how to play.

Lila Rostenberg said...

Hi Caroline! Thanks for the wonderful post! I love all the art work....one drawing where you look like a teacher taking a survey...and then the best where you are dancing with your kitchen towel!
I think all of your drawings could be considered mindful play!

coolwaterworks said...

Hi Caroline...

I enjoyed this post... :)

Yes, we must all try to do our best to live in the present moment - even in the Christian faith this is being articulated. For Christians to live in the present moment is to be truly a child of God, truly dependent on His generosity, such that there would be no worries from the past and the future... Only then, we would truly be happy and carefree (and maybe dance with our towels too) :)

By the way, thanks for your kind words on my Nooks and Crannies blog. I will be active in my other blog:

http:\\coolwordweaver.wordpress.com

Be well always!

Mel said...

Hola Caroline,

I tried dancing last Friday, after an incredibly bad day.
It was fun, and liberating.

Thank you!!!!

Besos,

Mel