The Intuitive Path Blog

The Fourth Truths of FISH!

Hi Folks,

Sometimes the smallest books can have the greatest impact, maybe because we can actually get through the whole book in a few settings. Or maybe because the simplest messages have so much truth in them. Based on the recommendation of a good friend of mine I picked up Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen. My friend mentioned to me that this book was describing the effort of improving morale and the work environment in a company. I found, however, that it is just as applicable to our personal lives.

 Here is one quote from the authors: “There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself.” Isn’t the same thing true for our life in general? Whatever situation we are in, we always have the choice how we deal with it and what we make of it. Do we take it as a stepping stone or a stumbling block? Do we see the blessing in any situation or only the curse? This is the first of the four truths, and let me share with you all four:

1. Choose your attitude
2. Play
3. Engage & make other’s day
4. Be present

 Often times, we don’t feel that we have a choice how to face a situation or experience. Similarly, we can get so serious about life because yes, it is a serious matter but then there is also the part in us that wants to take it lightly, laugh about it and be creative and playful in finding solutions and insights. That’s where the second truth of play comes in which allows us to have a lighter and more creative outlook.

 When life gets too serious and we get too serious about ourselves, we might forget to be there for others because we are focused so much on fixing what’s not going right. I can personally attest to it, and I am also witness of how good it feels to engage others and attempt to make their day better whenever possible. It creates connection, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of moving forward – "even if" it starts with moving another person’s life forward. And many times, it’s the small steps of smiling at a person or holding the door that engage us with each other and lightens up our days – so much for the third truth.

 Last but not least, being present as the four truth enables us to commit to the other truths. Because as long as we are focused on the past or present, we give away the chance to choose our attitude in the moment, play with what occurs in the present, and engage with the people that are around us. Every moment is an opportunity, and if we turn it into something empowering or disempowering is our own choice!

 Ask yourself the following questions which have been inspired by the authors, and I hope they will boost your morale and improve your life results :-):

1. Who do you want to be while you live your life?
2. How could you have more fun and create more energy?
3. Who are the people around you and how can you engage them in a way that will make their day? And how can you make your own day?
4. How can you be more present with yourself and others?

Imagine what it would be like to bring your whole being to every moment in your life. That’s when we flourish and thrive.

Much love,

Anja

 PS: To find out more about the book and the philosophy behind it, check out the website: www.fishphilosophy.com

Happiness Booster Series: Why Play Deserves More Room In Our Lives - Radio Show Recap

Dear Readers & Listeners,

After reading Stuart Brown's book "Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul" I was inspired to make it the topic for my last episode. If you haven't been on live, I hope you will take the time to listen in for all the great information I shared about why play deserves more room in our lives, particularly as adults. Children naturally spend time playing because they follow this intrinsic need of ours. As grown-ups we unlearn and rationalize why we shouldn't play, and as Stuart Brown clearly shows in his book, it doesn't serve us.

Because I really want you to listen to the episode, I won't give away the whole content of the show but definitely share with you some resources worth checking out beside Brown's book itself:

www.nifplay.org - This is the website of the National Institute of Play which was founded by Brown

http://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html - Stuart Brown on TED 

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/ - Interview with Stuart Brown on Speaking of Faith with host Krista Tippett

I will keep on researching the topic because I believe that play and fun are underestimated in their power to grow and explore who we want to be and how we can create this kind of life for ourselves. So, I encourage you to play more again. In case you don't remember what you enjoy, think about your childhood. About activities that brought you fun, made you forget the time, and you wanted to do forever. I am sure something will come up!

Be playful, in whatever you do and imagine,

Anja

Appreciate the Essence of Water

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/03/water.html