My head exploded listening to The Happiness Lab Podcast this week, “Laurie Get a Fun-tervention.” (The perfect follow-up to last week’s post on “play.”).
It struck me that Parkour has taught me more than just movement skills, it has taught me about having FUN! Pure unbridled fun! Climbing to the top of a tall wall. Having a snowball fight. Playing red light green light. FUN!!!
This fun doesn’t involve an elaborate plan or a big financial commitment. It does involve connecting with others, being playful, and moving in flow. (Don’t know what flow feels like? Have fun and you will be in flow!) You don’t worry about who is trying to call you or what is in your inbox, instead, you are immersed in the present moment. Fun or should I say, fun-terventions reset the body and mind for creativity, efficiency learning and you land in the present moment.
I find that these fun sessions effortlessly integrate into playing, teaching, work, and life.
Fun has impacted me so much, I am finding ways to incorporate it into my classes, getting students to know more than just each other’s names. Making them laugh, not by telling jokes but by including play in our time together. We experience the body maps we are learning about and embody them more deeply. The added benefits include reducing stress and distraction, practicing awareness.
In my own life, I have found that the fun that I have in training sessions permeates my day. I smile as I remember a challenging moment or the success of completing a challenge. Yesterday I got closer to doing a dive kong! (keep in mind, I said almost!) These moments contribute to self-efficacy as they inspire my creativity, curiosity, and interest in my work.
Ways to incorporate fun in a day
Listen to music that moves you! On my playlist lately is Wilco. My daughter took me to see them live where I realized how cool the rhythms and sounds of their music are. I keep listening, remembering the concert, and uncovering the super fun elements of their music. (One of my favorite songs - I am Trying to Break Your Heart)
Take a playground break - go to a playground and move around on it. Slide down the slide, climb, spin. Better yet meet a friend at the playground. You are not too old.
If you want to incorporate the power of fun with learning, come to a Parkour class. You might even catch me teaching.
Be curious…
Upcoming Classes
Tuesdays Musicians’ Drop-In Classes 3pm ET -
Fridays - Body Mapping for EVERYbody 11am ET - Build a user’s guide for your body!
Breathe Deeply Again - November 2, 9, 16 - For musicians & people from any walk of life who want to breathe better!