True joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way.

And that is the thought for today.

Welcome to Seven Good Minutes. I'm Clyde Lee Dennis. Thanks for joining me for what I believe will be seven of the most enriching minutes of your day. In today's episode of Seven Good Minutes, we talk about mindfulness in play, the joy of being present. Enjoy. Imagine rediscovering the simple joy of play, not as a frivolous activity, but as a powerful

tool for mindfulness. When you engage in playful activities, you anchor yourself firmly

in the present moment, setting aside past concerns and future anxieties. This isn't about

structured games or sports. It's about letting go and being spontaneous, whether it's playing

with your pet, dancing in your living room, or even doodling. Each playful moment is a step

towards living more mindfully, embracing joy and creativity in the now. When you engage in play,

it's not just about having fun, it's a profound practice in mindfulness. Play

naturally draws your full attention, focusing your mind on the activity at hand, and pushing distractions to the background. This can lead to a deeper sense of peace and a reduction in stress. Consider how children are fully absorbed when they play, free from worries about yesterday or tomorrow.

By incorporating playful activities into your daily life, you too can access this powerful form of presence, enhancing your mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Integrating play into your daily routine might seem challenging at first, especially with a busy schedule.

Start small by identifying moments in your day that could be more playful. Perhaps turn your morning walk into a playful exploration, or use your coffee break for a mini dance session.

It could be as simple as changing your mindset to view everyday activities through a playful lens, turning mundane tasks into games.

The key is to loosen up and allow yourself to experience joy in these moments, gradually making play a natural part of your day.

Adult life often comes with responsibilities that can make play seem unattainable.

Yet, the barriers to playfulness

are frequently more about perception than reality. It's about overcoming the internal dialogues

that label play as unproductive or silly. Challenge these notions by acknowledging the benefits of

play for your mental health and creativity. Remember, being playful doesn't diminish your seriousness

about work or life. It enhances your ability to handle stress and think creatively. Play not only

benefits you personally, but can also strengthen your connections with others. Shared playful

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