June 19, 2006
June 19, 2006 Issue #28
Welcome to the newsletter where playing more and stressing less is taken seriously. It's written with the intention to support you in living a life with more passion and play and less worry and work.
IN THIS ISSUE...
The World's Game
Fifa World Cup and Pink Martini
Playing in Paris
An R rated Giggle & Guffaw
Ways to Play Today:
Learn Another Language
Sit and Watch the World Go By
Something to Ponder:
Are you enjoying your game?
"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players."
~Shakespeare
My Playground
The article, the message, the thing to make you go hmmm...
~The World's Game~
Right now in Germany, there are thousands upon thousands of people who have journeyed to this country to celebrate what's known as "The World's Game". Americans may call it soccer, but the rest of the planet knows it as football and to try and compare this game to the one we know by the same name in the States is absolutely ridiculous. You'll make a German cry over his huge stein of beer for even suggesting there's another game that even comes close to his beloved sport. And it's not just the Germans who will think you're nuts for thinking football involves making touchdowns. Boys, beer and football has not only taken over my fiancee, but the rest of Europe.
Up until two years ago, I never gave much thought to football. I dreaded anytime that checkered ball made an appearance in my high school physical education class. It didn't matter if I wore shinguards or not, I was bound to be kicked and it was bound to hurt. Needless to say, I wasn't jumping up and down with excitement when my fiancee, James informed me he was an avid fan of the game I couldn't stand much less comprehend. Why anyone would want to run around a field for 90 minutes and subject themselves to being kicked and tripped by nasty cleats beats the heck out of me.
James was patient with me as he not only explained how this game was played, but why he and millions of other people around the world are so passionate about this game. When he suggested a few months back that I should accompany him to Germany this summer to take in a few games, I told him it sounded like "a boy's trip" and politely declined. Long story short, I was convinced to go when he mentioned I could bugger off to France after watching a game with him and his mates. I'm so glad I said yes and didn't miss what I experienced. As I sat amongst 52,000 people in Gelsenkirchen, Germany watching the U.S.A. and the Czech Republic play, I saw a lot more than soccer players and drunken fans. This wasn't just any football game being played. This was the world's stage on display and it was truly a glorious thing to see and be a part of.
Paris may be lovely, but Cannon Beach is home.
I noticed things like true teamwork, love of country, bravery and courage, pageantry and over-the-top commericalism, and fun and pure joy. I got to thinking that all of us, all the people in the world could learn a few things from watching theWorld Cup. I offer up five and encourage you to watch a game between now and the final on July 9th and let me know what else you see.
5 World Cup Reminders for the World
1) Participate in Your Passions
Perhaps you can't be a world-class soccer player, but you certainly have the wherewithall to know what turns you on and make an effort to do more of what you love. Maybe you can't quit your job to (insert one of your passions here) all day long, but if it's important enough to you, find a way to make time for it in your life.
2) Celebrate Diversity
We come in different shapes, colors, religions, etc. See cultural differences as opportunities to unite rather than fight. Delight in finding common ground, but treasure what makes people unique.
3) Play Hard
Life is short and there's plenty of time to rest when we die. Sleep and stillness are important, but so is living life fully everyday. You know what it feels like when you're giving and living your all. You also know what a half-assed attempt feels like. The way in which you play your game effects others. How do you want to play?
4) Share Your Beer
Amazing things happen when you give of what you have. Whether it's time, money, love or beer, you will receive just as much if not more in return when you share.
5) Play Together
Teamwork is a beautiful thing. Soccer isn't a solo sport and neither is life. All your goals and dreams are easier achieved when you've got teammates supporting you. The best part about playing together is you tend to have more fun when there's more than one.
As I say every month in this newsletter, be well, be happy and play more.
Go team!
Check it Out
Personal Recommendations for books, music, websites and all resources fun!
Hang on Little Tomato by Pink Martini
This Portland, Oregon-based band is much loved here in Paris. The group's creator and piano virtuoso, Thomas Lauderdale along with vocalist China Forbes have enthralled audiences across the globe with their upbeat and fun as ever big band sound. This is their second album and after you check it out, you'll go back and purchase their first, "Sympathique". It's good to know Parisians are just as hip to fabulously good music as Portlanders are.
Fifa World Cup
This is the main website for everything associated with football and the World Cup. Check out the latest coverage from the games. Find your favorite player. Watch videos from the games you missed. Be inspired and go out and kick a ball.
What's Up at Playful Spirit?
I wasn't sure I would be able to get my newsletter out on time due to my travels in Europe, but voila! It really is grand having access to the internet and being able to write from anywhere in the world and share it with others. Unfortunately I wasn't able to upload new pictures from my camera into the cafe's computer so if you've been a Lighten Up subscriber for awhile, there's a good chance the photos look familiar. New photos next month. I promise! My new blog, "Life of Play" has taken a backseat to my European travels, but another promise I'll make to you for next month is the link so you can check it out. Long flights across the Atlantic gave me a lot of time to think and I can't way to tell you next month about a new coaching program I'm creating and will begin offering in August. After writing all day today, I'm off to drink some wine and have a yummy meal at a Parisian cafe. A bientot mon amies! (See you later, my friends!)
Giggles & Guffaws
An amusing story, joke, anecdote or picture to tickle your funnybone
Just a word of warning. This is a little on the risque side of good humor. Skip it if you think you might be in the least offended by some gynocological humor. And no, this is not my story.
I was due for an appointment with the gynecologist later in the week. Early one morning, I received a call from the doctor's office to tell me that I had been rescheduled for that morning at 9:00 AM. I packed everyone off to work and school, and it was already around 8:45 am. The trip to his office took about 35 minutes, so I didn't have any time to spare.
As most women do, I like to take a little extra effort over hygiene when making such visits, but this time I wasn't going to be able to make the full effort. So, I rushed upstairs, threw off my pajamas, wet the washcloth that was sitting next to the sink, and gave myself a quick wash in 'that area' to make sure I was at least presentable. I threw the washcloth in the clothes basket, donned some clothes, hopped in the car and raced to my appointment. I was in the waiting room for only a few minutes when I was called in. Knowing the procedure, as I'm sure you do, I hopped up on the table, looked over at the other side of the room and pretended that I was in Paris or some other place a million miles away. I was a little surprised when the doctor said, 'My, we have made an extra effort this morning, haven't we?' I didn't respond.
After the appointment, I heaved a sigh of relief and went home. The rest of the day was normal ... some shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc. After school when my 6 year old daughter was playing, she called out from the bathroom, 'Mommy, where's my washcloth?' I told her to get another one from the cupboard. She replied, 'No, I need the one that was here by the sink, it had all my glitter and sparkles saved inside it.
Ways to Play Today
Why not...learn another language?
Supposedly our ability to learn a second language comes easiest when we're very young. Don't let your age be an excuse for not trying on something different other than your native tongue. Go beyond the basics and learn more than "Please" and "Thank You". Of course those are two phrases that are the least you should learn when traveling to a foreign country, but it's also quite handy knowing how to say "Where are the toilets?". Sign up for a class at your local community college. Look online for groups of people who meet on a regular basis to practice their language skills. Listen to music or read books in the language you want to learn. Best tip (but also the most expensive) is to book a trip and go immerse yourself in the culture. It truly is a great feeling when you say something in another language and a native speaker actually understands you. Remember to be careful when learning those slang words.
Why not...sit and watch the world go by?
The French are fabulous at people-watching. Staring is not rude. It's an art form here and it's done best when seated at an outdoor cafe with a chair facing the street. Simple instructions for watching the world: Have no other plans for the day. Find quaint outdoor cafe next to a busy street. Plop your butt down. Order your favorite beverage. Be brave and take those dark sunglasses off. Take in the view. Smile when you see something or someone you like. Consider someone else's story other than your own for awhile.
Something to Ponder
Questions designed to stimulate your thinking AND encourage you to take action towards what you want.
Are you playing the game of life full out or is it too full?
How would playing more benefit you and your world?
Care to share what these questions stir up in you? Need some support around how to play more of the game you want to be playing?
Send me an e-mail.
I welcome your thoughts and will respond to all e-mails received.
If you want to find out more about the work I do as a facilitator, writer and coach check out Playful Spirit Make sure you come back and visit every so often as you never know what kind of resources and fun stuff I'll be playing around with and adding to the website.
Thanks for reading this issue of Lighten Up! If you enjoyed it, please pass it along to your friends, your family, your co-workers...You get the idea. Until next month, consider how you're playing the game of life and where improvements in your game could be made. Be well, be happy and play more.
See you on July 17th!
Lisa
~Playful Spirit's mission is to empower women and men to acknowledge and express their unique gifts in the world. We help people rediscover their passion, purpose & sense of play.~
lisa@playful-spirit.com www.playful-spirit.com