WISDOM WITHIN - May 2016 - Kansas City

Having a Fulfilled Life by Having Fun 

By Suzette Scholtes

 

We all know how hard it is to manage the transition of a parent approaching death. When our dad was ill, the family met at the farm house and gathered each evening on the sprawling deck to sit, share, and enjoy the summer evening. With 18 of us, my seven brothers and sisters and the kids, it felt good to be together. Little sis, Amy, as we enjoyed a beer or soft drink, would yell out “Are we having fun yet?”

 

To enjoy life and “have fun” serves as an essential component to a fulfilled life. Especially when the skies are grey and we are closed-in or cannot get out-and-about for some reason. Or, when one is bored, the question “what would be fun” is a good way to motivate oneself to find something one enjoys. For me, I grab a book to divert my attention and fire up my imagination.

 

The other day, with a gathering of yoga students, I posed the question to the group. Here is what they said helps them have fun on any given day:

1. Get out into nature said at least four of my guests. Get outside and take a walk or watch the clouds or sit under a tree. Nature heals us. You know to be on the earth and with the wind and the air and maybe sun or moonlight is always a lift to one’s spirit.

2. Work in your garden. Several said how much fun this is for them. I asked if they found pulling weeds enjoyable and the answer was yes!

3. Run an errand and turn up your favorite music and play it loud. Several enjoyed hearing favorite tunes allowing the upbeat music to give them a lift.

4. Grab your yoga mat and go into poses you love. Poses where the blood moves into the neck and shoulders were the favorites.

5. “I ride my horse,” said a lucky gal who has her pal in her back yard.

6. “Walk the dog” said another. We know our dog pals give us unconditional love. Did you know “dog” spelled backward is “God?”

7. Eat something that you consider comfort food or prepare a recipe you love that you have not made for a while. Enjoy each bite!

8. Call that loyal friend who is willing to talk and share and listen. Share a good joke and laugh!

9. Working folks take a day off and go play whether shopping or sight-seeing or spending time with friends.

10. Watch a favorite movie or documentary that lifts your heart even if you have seen in before!

11. Sing your heart out as no one is home and no one is listening

12. The artist in the room loved to play with her paints and think of new projects.

 

Having fun, according to the health pros, keeps us healthy and even lowers blood pressure and lifts our immune system. Too many of us get bogged down with obligation and duties. There are those of us who will love a hobby or volunteer and give of our time to the needy. Even to choose to smile at a stranger gives you a boost to more wellness. And next time sis Amy calls I will share this old joke: A three-legged dog walks into a saloon and says to the bartender “I am looking for the man who shot my paw.” Ha!

Suzette Scholtes’ non-fiction writing won the prestigious “Writers Digest” award. Her passions are writing and yoga and she feels one needs a sense of humor for both. She founded The Yoga School of Therapeutics where she manages one of the regions prestige teacher training programs. 10400 W. 103rd Street,

Overland Park.  

 

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