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Hello Reader!

We’ve talked a lot about our thoughts and our mind and how we create our reality. We’ve also talked about how those neural pathways run deep and how it can take a minute (or a thousand-thousand minutes) before we are able to change the way we think, feel and subsequently act.

What if I told you there’s a shortcut? Would you do it?

I’m on a precipice. Maybe you feel it for yourself as well. Something huge and amazing is coming. I can feel it in my bones. It’s not like being on the edge “step back Timmy, you’re too close to the edge.” It’s more like “TIMMY!!!!! LOOK OUT!!!” heart racing on the precipice. I’m standing in one spot, my next foot raised in the air, and in one small motion I’ll be in a whole new place.

Taking that step requires significant re-wiring of my brain in so many ways. And I’m ready to take the shortcut.

Scientists have discovered that it takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain, unless it is done in play, in which case it only takes 10 to 20 repetitions.

10 to 20? Yes please.

It sounds so counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? That the answer is to play? When we’re so steeped in the seriousness of business and life, play not only seems superfluous, it feels like a flat out waste of time.

What if it’s not? Would you be willing to try? What’s the worst that could happen? We have fun? With no actual down-side, that’s a “consequence” I’m willing to risk have happen.

The non-rules: There can be no rules in the chosen play activity. Zero. Even organized sports aren’t effective because of the structure and game play rules.

According to Dr. Stuart Brown, author of the book Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, play has seven characteristics:

1. Purposeless - there is a lack of practical value in the activity
2. Voluntary - there is nothing obligatory about it
3. Inherent Attraction - it’s fun and makes us feel good
4. Freedom from Time - we lose track of time
5. Diminished Self-Consciousness - there’s no concern for what others think of us. There’s no thought about thought and we become lost in the activity
6. Improvisational - there is no specific way of doing things
7. Continuation Desire - we desire its continuation and will invent new means to make it last

Brown goes on to say that the opposite of play is not work. The opposite of play is depression. That definition alone convinces me of the importance of play.

A couple of years ago I started a photography project I titled Magic Moments. Macro photography is one tool I use to stop time. Memory keeping, writing, art journaling and hosting family and friends are other ways I reconnect with myself and lose myself at the same time.

What are those activities for you? Playing with legos on the floor with a child. Dancing. Doing cartwheels barefoot in the grass. Yoga. Fishing. Running. Horseback riding. Frisbee. Corn hole. Painting. Swimming in the ocean. Sketching. Writing. Skip-it. Riding roller coasters. Family game night.

Find the things that light your soul up and do more of them. Everyday for at least 20-30 minutes. Play for the sheer fun of it. While your brain is “turned off”, new synapses are being created. Just like that.

Now please excuse me while I go charge my camera batteries and set up my art desk. I have big leaps to make. And so do you! Let’s go!!!

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​Journaling is a big part of my daily life. It’s how I know what I think. Otherwise it gets all jumbled up in my head and influences my decisions unconsciously. Living life on purpose with intention is my goal. Journaling helps me get there. Free writing is my preferred method, but sometimes I need a little push in a direction to get started. I thought maybe you may need some inspiration as well.

Enter the question of the day writing prompts:

1. What are my current limiting distractions?
2. What pulls me out of my power?
3. What stories am I ready to release to allow myself to rise into my next level?
4. What if I trusted that I always have enough time to do what matters to me?
5. What habits and routines really matter?

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​Question everything. And then move forward with grace and love.

Grateful for you,

Diane

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