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By K. Kindermann
We all have a child inside of us that needs attention. Just because
we grow up into adults doesn't mean that the child we once were
and our childhood memories go away. In fact we are the same child
we were, however, as adults we do our best to tackle the many things
our society tells us to do and how we should behave as grown-ups.
When are children most happy? When they're playing of course! How
do we stay young at heart? By making play dates with ourselves and
with our friends.
When your inner child isn't getting enough playtime, he or she
gets your attention by throwing a little tantrum, or in more adult
words, a little (or big) nervous break-down. This is to remind you
that you function best when you function at a level of loving playfulness.
It is also a reminder that you haven't been doing enough of it lately.
If you haven't had a little tantrum lately, then your inner child
is very well behaved, so reward him or her! You don't even have
to wait for them to ask. Invite them for a little play time. This
doesn't mean doing the "adult" thing of getting drunk
and silly - kids don't need alcohol to feel silly!
It's time to bring some loving playfulness into your life. The
ancient Hawaiians valued this principle of life and called it Pa-ani
me aloha. Take time out for a peaceful moment in the shade, make
sand castles on the beach, or take a bubble bath with a rubber ducky.
These are some ways to please the kid in you.
So loosen your tie, kick off your shoes, and let go of the serious
adult you for a time. Listen to your favourite song at high volume
and sing and dance with abandon! Keep jacks and balls in your desk
drawer. When you need a break, shut your office door and play with
them. Keep a high bouncing ball in your briefcase and take it out
in the stairwell and wail away at it. Get a slinky, a paddle with
a ball attached to an elastic string, a yo-yo. Make sure you always
have a bottle of bubbles around and blow them at every opportunity.
You get the idea. If you don't, your inner children will, and they'll
show you.
Most of all, don't take yourself or life too seriously. We are
all here doing the best we can. We feel the same emotions we did
as a child, only we may express them in different ways. Love is
the only thing that a hurting child can understand. Love and accept
whatever you feel. Acknowledge and honour your feelings. When we
make mistakes, those mistakes teach us something. Let them go and
move on. Make each day a fresh, new beginning. Be courageous and
try something new.
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Laughter and compassion are powerful tools for keeping a young
and loving heart. Laugh at yourself and others. Have compassion
for yourself and others. Enjoy the journey through life, the ups
and downs. With as much as you know, keep an open, playful child's
mind and watch the world fill with new beauty and wonder. Let yourself
be overcome with awe. Be in awe of the simple things and the incredible…
a flower, a bird in flight, a magnificent sunset, the feeling of
rain drops on your skin. As the wise and ancient poet Rumi said,
"Let awe be the salve that heals your eyes". Let loving
playfulness keep you young at heart.
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