The "I like" game, a recent favorite
Since the "I like" game was one of the most popular at our last playformation workshop, and it is obviously a very simple exercise to incorporate into daily life, I thought I'd say a few words about it here:
So, the skinny, with some tips:
1. Give yourself* a time limit (we gave ourselves 2 minutes, but you could do anything. I'd suggest 1-5 minutes to not burn out)
2. Try and find/feel that place in you that is 'real', where you really 'are' right now.
3. Start saying "I like" ...whatever you honestly are liking, enjoying, diggin', at this moment. It might be a certain color, a feeling, a memory, an excitement about something upcoming, a food, a friend, whatever is true.
4. Repeat "I like" for each one and don't stop talking -even if you need to repeat the same thing over and over. Why not groove on the goodness of that particular thing?
5. Check in with yourself, how do you feel compared to before?
*Note: while you can surely do this by yourself, as a recent participant mentioned, there is something powerful about hearing the "I likes" of someone else as well as knowing that your "I likes" are being heard. Do you have a friend, family member, coach or counselor you can do this with when needed?
This game started years ago with a much more 'exterior' motivation (what 'should' I like and 'praise the lord' for?), and sometimes led to the more authentic kind of 'praise' of God and life that my current practice does. Patricia Madsen's 'improv wisdom' has a chapter related to this entitled "Wake up to the gifts" and I'd highly recommend reading her book.
People often make the mistake in thinking that one FIRST finds happiness, then one is 'feels' thankful. Surprise surprise. It is often the other way around...find what you like, what is already there, 'the good' (from the simplest to the most sublime) and then you'll likely feel happier.
Enjoy, maybe it will lead you closer to Pronoia (more on that later!)
So, the skinny, with some tips:
1. Give yourself* a time limit (we gave ourselves 2 minutes, but you could do anything. I'd suggest 1-5 minutes to not burn out)
2. Try and find/feel that place in you that is 'real', where you really 'are' right now.
3. Start saying "I like" ...whatever you honestly are liking, enjoying, diggin', at this moment. It might be a certain color, a feeling, a memory, an excitement about something upcoming, a food, a friend, whatever is true.
4. Repeat "I like" for each one and don't stop talking -even if you need to repeat the same thing over and over. Why not groove on the goodness of that particular thing?
5. Check in with yourself, how do you feel compared to before?
*Note: while you can surely do this by yourself, as a recent participant mentioned, there is something powerful about hearing the "I likes" of someone else as well as knowing that your "I likes" are being heard. Do you have a friend, family member, coach or counselor you can do this with when needed?
This game started years ago with a much more 'exterior' motivation (what 'should' I like and 'praise the lord' for?), and sometimes led to the more authentic kind of 'praise' of God and life that my current practice does. Patricia Madsen's 'improv wisdom' has a chapter related to this entitled "Wake up to the gifts" and I'd highly recommend reading her book.
People often make the mistake in thinking that one FIRST finds happiness, then one is 'feels' thankful. Surprise surprise. It is often the other way around...find what you like, what is already there, 'the good' (from the simplest to the most sublime) and then you'll likely feel happier.
Enjoy, maybe it will lead you closer to Pronoia (more on that later!)
Powered by ScribeFire.
posted by Leif Hansen @ 4:37 PM
2 Comments:
Thank you so much for mentioning Improv Wisdom. I am particularly pleased that you singled out the "Wake up to the gifts" chapter. For me that is the heart of what I have to share. Most of us have so much but aren't even noticing. You are kind to help pass along the word about the book.
Warm thanks,
You have given me a gift today.
Patricia Ryan Maosn
My pleasure Patricia. I was delighted to see you found me. You're book and workshop have been great for me, keep up the wonder-full work!
-Leif
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home