The Art of Being Lighthearted

Today’s Word is Lighthearted

"I have always preferred cheerfulness over mirth. The latter I consider an art, the former as a habit of the mind." - Joseph Addison

Being lighthearted is art created by organizing matter; things that matter in ways to uplift and inspire your emotions, senses and mental faculties. When you are able to play and experiment with the matters in your life; options, solutions and clarity unfold creatively and easily. Lightheartedness is what many envy and hopefully nurture in children. It is the ability to live in the moment. When you play a little and avoid taking yourself or life too seriously you are more likely to learn from your experiences, stop judging and to take new risks. It is in this spirit, carefree and jovial, that the greatest discoveries and growth often occur. Life can be serious and intense and learning to let go of worry, negative thinking and lightening up is a gift you give yourself. Self-development and self-improvement can get a little indulgent, rigorous and can be taken far too earnestly. As Robert Hutchins said, “It is not so important to be serious as it is to be serious about the important things.”

When I am coaching clients I am very intentional and deliberate, but when appropriate I bring a playful attitude to the coaching session. It creates a space where an individual can explore and examine without feeling that whatever they say or do is going to be judged or criticized. I find the irony in life amusing and the challenges and experiences that connect us, endearing. Have you ever thought about how much time and energy you spend trying to be “normal”, to fit in, to follow the status quo, all the while secretly wishing that you stood out and were special? When you stop trying to fix, create and plan, the moment contains within it all the information needed to attract the events, people and opportunities that make you feel, you guessed it, lighthearted.

Over the last eleven letters we have explored the importance of shifting perspective, viewing your life or your interpretation of your life in new ways. A method to maximize this learning is to access your creative brain, to move into a state of flow. In order to do this, start thinking of your life as a celebration, not as problem or challenge to be fixed. When you think of your life as something to be fixed or worked on; well, that is what it feels like, work. When you are in this mode and focused on a quandary, stress hormones are released and the part of your brain that is resourceful cannot be accessed. Michael Bernard Beckwith calls it playvolving, the ability to be simultaneously conscious of your challenges, while holding the awareness that your true nature is joyful and lighthearted.

I admit it, I haven’t always been the most adept at slipping into the free-spirit attitude, but over time I have learned that the all serious approach was not working. I have experienced the difference in my life. I have witnessed in myself and in my clients time and again what can happen when you lighten up, you do just that, lighten the load and you can see what truly matters. I definitely laugh at myself and life more. I now find humor in my limiting thoughts and my ego’s incessant need to be the centre of attention. I have found that when I stop thinking it is all serious, all the time, my brain artfully creates solutions and provides a new perspective and a view that was previously hidden. Weighed down by analysis paralysis, judgement and frustration, did not provide relief or solutions, but instead created a vicious cycle of figuring it all out. How many times have you been knee deep in a problem, could not see the solution, with the answer coming only after you took a break and walked away? Lightheartedness is not ignoring the problem, it is knowing that the resolution is just as likely, if not more likely to be found when you lighten your load and provide a broader, clearer view.

"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

- Unknown

Today Ask Yourself?

Where in my life could I lighten up?

What would it mean to me to feel more lighthearted?

What are three ways I could increase the joy in my life right now?

I would be happy to support you in finding a more lighthearted approach. Please contact me at http://onpurposelifecoaching@hotmail.com