Let’s Play: The Joy Diet – Week Eight
Posted by kaileenelise on November 5th, 2009
The supreme accomplishment is to
blur the line between work and play.
(Arnold J. Toynbee)
I can’t confidently say that I mastered the art of play this week. As we have worked through Martha Beck’s The Joy Diet, I have experienced varying levels of comfort with each menu item.
This week I read ahead of the class and was prepared to play with the zeal of a child, but somehow managed to ignore the menu item throughout the week.
In my last post, I revealed my goals for November and mentioned I have struggled to make it to yoga class. Lauren admitted she has been facing the same challenge, even though we both call ourselves yoginis.
The big question that comes to mind is, “why do I avoid the things I know are good for me?” If I am brutally honest with myself…
I prefer the feeling I get from eating a healthy home-cooked meal than I do from driving through McDonald’s.
I have an after-yoga-glow that is exquisite when compared to the way I feel after spending a few sluggish hours on my couch.
I take comfort in solving my internal questions through journal writing rather than ignoring things and complaining to those around me.
So then I wonder, why am I not doing the things that make me feel best?
Maybe there isn’t a good reason, or maybe the reason isn’t the issue at hand. Whatever the cause, if I decide to play the game like Beck describes, I will lean towards living my best life—treating myself to a healthy blend of home-cooked meals, yoga and journaling.
I agree with her that at the end of our lives, or in the face of a tragedy, we are pulled to what is most important to us. We stop avoiding the things that make us whole and get back to the basics. We uncover the dusty novel, the wrinkled yoga mat or the rusty sewing machine. We take comfort in whatever brings us the most joy.
I struggled to define what Beck calls our “real career” because I’m unsure of my answers. I don’t know what legacy I want to leave, and I don’t know what experiences I need to have a completely satisfying life.
Her questions make me feel the same way I imagine it would feel to drive through the neighborhood I lived in until I was 9—comfortable, but disarmed. I don’t exactly know where my house is, but I will know it when I see it.
So for now I am going to continue to drive through the neighborhood, explore my creative side, connect with all you amazing women and stay dedicated to the things that make me happy. I will continue to search for my house—because I am sure that I will know my real career, my true calling, when I see it.
photo credit: me
quote credit: @dailydivadish
Tags: Creative, Inspiration, Joy, Plans, Yoga
I think you can’t always work through every chapter and make a change every week, sometimes, it’s better just to think about things and leave it at that. And that’s what you have done.
Everything’s well!
It’s an interesting theory you pose there. Why do we avoid the things that make us feel good. Is there some little gremlin living inside us whose spiteful personality pulls us back from experiencing joy or do we just get too tired from doing the stuff we have to do first? I like your thinking.
So many of your questions are the same ones that I ask myself. I think the conclusion you came to this week is a good one. By continuing to explore with the help of people on the same path I am sure you will find your true calling. I know when you write I see a real gift.
Your avoidance questions are really interesting. I think lots of us tend to avoid things that make us happy for a multitude of reasons. I think once we become adults, play is difficult. I hope you can experience play and enjoyment in your life.
I love your collage and your deep honesty with th process. Hugs to you!
For me avoiding the things that are good for me is as simple as they are optional. By the time I have expended nearly all my energy on the things that have to be done and those that seem more urgent, it is a push to do the rest. But like you, there’s always this feeling of comfort and warmth when I do.
I think it’s wonderful that you are asking yourself these questions and allowing the answers time to unfold. Your collage is beautiful and really resonates with me. Have a good week.
I love the little girl in your collage! And I know exactly what you mean when you say “I’ll know it when I see it.” It’s ok to live in uncertainty, but trusting that what you need will reveal itself. It sounds like you’re doing a great job with the mouse steps, that somewhere in you there is an eagle vision, and your body knows the way. Good questions!
I really appreciate all your words of kindness and support. I wondered if anyone was going to understand where I’m coming from with this post – it sounds like many of you have experienced or are experiencing similar feelings. xoxo, kaileenelise
You will definitely find it – and, by living a creative and reflective life new opportunities will come to you. It is wonderful to see that cute little girl again. She has such a wonderful sense of joy and strength. She is the warrior princess! Have a creative weekend and thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. It truly is a beautiful tribe that we belong to.
Hmmmm. We all are avoiding something. Interesting. Great post.
I enjoyed the honesty and reflection in your post. You will know your “real” career when you see it or better yet, when it finds you!
XOXO
Pamela
fabulous view on play. i feel so lucky as to have finally found my “real” career. i know you will find yours also but in the mean time, enjoy your day the best way you know how
hugs!!
Thanks for sharing your journey with play this week. I have posted before on my blog the same thing you said here, why when i know what is good for me don’t I choose to do those things more often, I am not sure of that one yet. I LOVE the photo of the little girl with the sword.