The Art of Play - Tapping into an Ancient Superpower Available to All
My all-time favourite film is "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," starring Ben Stiller.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. This movie is not only visually stunning, but it also weaves a beautiful story that’s both fun and engaging. The landscapes it showcases are breathtaking, the soundtrack is emotionally moving, and, above all, it imparts valuable life lessons. For me, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is a cinematic convergence of numerous philosophies, self-care lessons, and a roadmap for living life to its fullest.
One of the most profound life lessons that the main character, Walter Mitty, and the audience learn from the film is the significance of play. There’s a memorable scene where Walter finally catches up with the elusive yet brilliant photographer, Sean O’Connell, portrayed by Sean Penn. Sean is camped out in the Himalayas, deep undercover on the side of a mountain, ready to capture a rare snow leopard on film. However, as the snow leopard enters his viewfinder, Sean decides not to take the shot and imparts a valuable lesson to Walter:
“If I like a moment, I mean me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it. Right there. Right here.”
Noticing a group of local Himalayan people playing soccer, Sean joyfully rushes to join them and encourages Walter to do the same:
“That looks like fun. You might want to join in.”
As children, we possessed a superpower called play. We cherished play above all else, living in the moment without worrying about consequences or outcomes, and freely transitioning between emotions. In play, authenticity thrived. However, as we transitioned from childhood to adulthood, we often lost the ability to play. It was replaced by activities like watching TV, gaming, scrolling through social media, worrying, thinking, hoping, working, and planning – all of which take us out of the present moment. It’s important to note that these activities are essential in life, but there’s much to be gained from embracing moments of pure presence and play as well.
Play has the remarkable ability to break fixed ways of thinking and habits. It can unlock original thoughts, create new connections, and reveal previously unseen possibilities in your surroundings. This “Beginner’s Mindset” is, in my opinion, a superpower that science is only beginning to understand. When you engage in play, you activate the creative side of your brain and silence your “inner editor,” which often restricts your thoughts and ideas. This can lead to fresh, creative solutions to various challenges.
“Play has the remarkable ability to break fixed ways of thinking and habits. It can unlock original thoughts, create new connections, and reveal previously unseen possibilities in your surroundings.”
Studies have shown that play enhances memory, stimulates the growth of the cerebral cortex, and triggers the release of BDNF, a substance essential for the growth of brain cells. Additionally, play releases endorphins, reducing stress, relieving pain, and promoting an overall sense of well-being.
Even in our fast-paced, busy lives, it’s crucial to prioritise play. If you find yourself swamped with work or other commitments, schedule playtime into your diary. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, set aside a brief moment to ride your bike around the block, throw a ball, or engage in any activity that brings out your inner child. These short breaks can be incredibly refreshing, helping you recharge and fostering a sense of joy and presence in your life.
In the many Authentic Leaders Group immersions, some of the most significant breakthroughs and memorable experiences occur during play. Play is intentionally woven throughout our curriculum because we believe it’s a foundational element for connection, authenticity, and deep happiness. Witnessing adults rediscover play through activities like Human Battleships or solving fun challenges during our Great Race is a powerful experience.
One memorable moment took place at a Camel Farm in Uluru when some of Australia’s brightest and influential marketing professionals spontaneously engaged in a water balloon fight. The smiles, the laughter, and the unbridled joy they experienced in that moment were like nothing else. In those moments, time stands still, and we embrace the beauty of being human – pure presence.
I’d like to share a personal “Walter Mitty Himalaya Moment,” which has been one of many, but it stands out for its spontaneity. We were setting up our site at Uluru, particularly for the ALG Outback Olympics. My colleagues and I were practising one of the activities, involving frisbees and foam boomerangs. It was me, Rosie Popa, Jack Riewoldt, and Nick Gall in the Camel Farm’s car park. Suddenly, the four of us were engrossed in throwing boomerangs and frisbees, trying to catch them from a distance. We were completely focused on the play, encouraging each other, and just having fun. In that moment, time seemed to stop, and pure joy filled the air. It was a reminder of what it truly means to be alive.
“In those moments [of play], time stands still, and we embrace the beauty of being human – pure presence.”
Connecting with others through games, laughter, and shared experiences is a wonderful way to stay present. The joy of shared laughter and camaraderie creates a unique bond that transcends the everyday.
I’d like to share a personal “Walter Mitty Himalaya Moment,” which has been one of many, but it stands out for its spontaneity. We were setting up our site at Uluru, particularly for the ALG Outback Olympics. My colleagues and I were practising one of the activities, involving frisbees and foam boomerangs. It was me, Rosie Popa, Jack Riewoldt, and Nick Gall in the Camel Farm’s car park. Suddenly, the four of us were engrossed in throwing boomerangs and frisbees, trying to catch them from a distance. We were completely focused on the play, encouraging each other, and just having fun. In that moment, time seemed to stop, and pure joy filled the air. It was a reminder of what it truly means to be alive.
Even in our fast-paced, busy lives, it’s crucial to prioritise play. If you find yourself swamped with work or other commitments, schedule playtime into your diary. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, set aside a brief moment to ride your bike around the block, throw a ball, or engage in any activity that brings out your inner child. These short breaks can be incredibly refreshing, helping you recharge and fostering a sense of joy and presence in your life.
In the many Authentic Leaders Group immersions, some of the most significant breakthroughs and memorable experiences occur during play. Play is intentionally woven throughout our curriculum because we believe it’s a foundational element for connection, authenticity, and deep happiness. Witnessing adults rediscover play through activities like Human Battleships or solving fun challenges during our Great Race is a powerful experience.
One memorable moment took place at a Camel Farm in Uluru when some of Australia’s brightest and influential marketing professionals spontaneously engaged in a water balloon fight. The smiles, the laughter, and the unbridled joy they experienced in that moment were like nothing else. In those moments, time stands still, and we embrace the beauty of being human – pure presence.
I’d like to share a personal “Walter Mitty Himalaya Moment,” which has been one of many, but it stands out for its spontaneity. We were setting up our site at Uluru, particularly for the ALG Outback Olympics. My colleagues and I were practising one of the activities, involving frisbees and foam boomerangs. It was me, Rosie Popa, Jack Riewoldt, and Nick Gall in the Camel Farm’s car park. Suddenly, the four of us were engrossed in throwing boomerangs and frisbees, trying to catch them from a distance. We were completely focused on the play, encouraging each other, and just having fun. In that moment, time seemed to stop, and pure joy filled the air. It was a reminder of what it truly means to be alive.