What would that even look like??
At Playful Expansion, the main exercises are simple improv-style games done in groups of 2-20. We connect, we experiment, we laugh.
If this is already making you sweat with anxiety don’t worry, you are definitely in the right place!
The first priority is to create a safe space.
I learned this way back in my high school theatre classes (shout out to BCSS!) and this was the reason I could explore impulses and be silly and try new things because the rule for every class was simple: Laugh WITH others but never AT them.
We all know the difference lies in the intention and impact of the laughter.
For example, laughing WITH someone would look like people joking around and sharing a laugh about a funny situation they all find amusing. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual enjoyment in a positive and inclusive way.
How fun!
On the other hand, laughing AT someone is making jokes at the expense of someone’s appearance, abilities, or mistakes in a way that makes them feel singled out or ridiculed. That awful laughter is directed at someone in a hurtful or mocking way and leads to feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, or discomfort for the person being laughed at.
Yuck.
So at the beginning of every Playful Expansion class we set the foundations of safety with a brief meditation, agreement for safety, and simple connection exercise.
By doing this we co-create an open, non-judgemental space. Knowing that “we’re all in this together” to learn, grow, and experiment.
From there we learn how to say “yes and” (more about this in the future!) to the suggestions of others, creating an accepting and experimental environment.
We also agree to celebrate and encourage each creative offering. In short, we create a space of belonging together.
Then we play!
During each short physical game, I encourage you to find your creative spark (which is a facet of your authenticity) and express yourself with this knowledge that you will always be accepted and encouraged to go farther.
So this brings together the two very important factors we learned about in my previous post: belonging and authenticity.
Through these games, we realize where our edges or challenges are; where we feel a little uncomfortable or blocked. And through this realization and the bravery needed to move past it (or to fully accept is as is, without the need to change!) we can subtly shift patterns of suppression, self-judgement, and denial.
With more of these practices, you’ll soon have the confidence to listen to your inner voice and learn when you feel safe to expand or when you need more time to adjust. This inner knowing will empower you to take more risks into your everyday life and also, to love and accept when “no” is enough.
By playing with authenticity in a safe and encouraging space, we can not only recognize where we’ve ben holding ourselves back, we can heal those patterns of suppression.
I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone; using your voice and body in ways that you wouldn’t in your everyday life. Everyone is bound to feel a little silly and that is exactly the point! When we can feel safe enough to let out guard down and go with our impulses, we can tap into our innate creativity and uncover more of our authentic selves.
- It encourages our imaginations
- Stimulates our critical thinking
- Reinforces memory
- Helps us process fears and emotions
- Engages us with others
- Allows us to be creative
You belong here. Your ideas are worth hearing.
You matter!
Claire Lindsay
Claire is a certified EFT master practitioner (tapping), a professional actor, adventure seeker, and an entrepreneur. She has been passionately following her own path of spiritual growth and healing since 2010. Claire founded Playful Expansion to encourage participants to break limiting beliefs and step into their own authenticity and power in a safe and fun environment.
