Art of living: the game

Art of living: approaching life through play and not taking yourself seriously

I read a very beautiful text about play in the wonderful French magazine "Flow": doing something for pleasure, art being the highest form of play; a psychiatrist hypothesizes that it would be the driving force behind evolution... We are born with this instinct (a beautiful learning tool since when we have fun, we absorb new information like a sponge, I published an article to this effect) then we are ousted from playful paradise to try to return as an adult by practicing activities that make us feel good (decorating, drawing, photographing...) because play provides a feeling of freedom.

Here's what got me going: play helps keep our minds sharp and flexible and allows our talents to flourish (the most eminent artists and scientists have always played a lot: "in every child there is an artist," Picasso).

Without necessarily having to play because it is the state of mind that defines the game not the activity itself, I woke up approaching life through play completely changing the tone of my day because playing allows you to feel more energetic, relaxed and satisfied (like when baby comes out of the bath and wants to be caught, turning to life completely happy and fulfilled). AND above all, removes the drama or seriousness that only we afflict ourselves with. Make way for the beautiful moments following this philosophy which is close to the Taoist art of living "wu wei", of going with the flow, while being dynamic and active.

If idleness is essential to creativity, lazing around becomes a learning experience in itself for us who are always doing...

That feels good, doesn't it? I dance and sing more and I set aside some time to draw. I also want to play skipping rope and hopscotch, like I loved when I was little. Since then, I have more smiles and laughter in my days. I wish you the same.