PRESENTSCHAPTER 8: PLAY & WELLNESS
IntroductionPlay & WellnessMoving our bodies and having fun impacts our well-being in so many positive ways. Sometimes when people (me included!) think about moving our bodies, we think of exercise and that term can connote a negative feeling. But what if we changed the exercise to PLAY? Who wouldn’t want to add more play into their life? My hope is that this chapter inspires us to look at exercise (PLAY!) differently and that we all become healthier and happier through more play and joyful moments.When we add play to wellness it gets to be a fun routine we can enjoy and look forward to!2Click here to prepare for this session by listening to this podcast
What’s Inside3SectionIntroductionWhat’s InsideConversation StartersHow-To Video What You Will NeedInstructionsReflection PromptsLearning to PlayPrinter Friendly Template23455691012Page NumberAmy’s Tip: Click to interact with the different sections of this chapter!
1. What was your favorite outdoor activity when you were younger? 2. What about the activity did you like so much? 3. How often do you have that sense of joy now? 4. What forms of activity make you feel healthy and energized? 5. What do you think are the benefits of playing?6. How do you allow yourself permission to engage in joyful play daily?7. What are activities that we can do together that would be fun for both of us?8. How do you feel in your body when you get to play? And when you don’t? Remember: The younger person is tasked with initiating the conversation.4Conversation StartersAmy’s Tip: During your conversations, what other questions come up? Can you challenge yourself to think of more questions to ask?
How-To Video + Art Supplies Acrylic Paint Pour Kit for each person (Choose your favorite color combination) Canvas (Choose a size that works for you. If you choose a very large canvas, you’ll need more than one paint set.) 4 empty small plastic containers - yogurt cups or something similar Small wooden shapes for dipping into excess paint (optional) Gloves (optional) Tablecloth (a must!) 10 Disposable 12oz. Cups (No need to buy 100 from the link) Shallow box large enough to fit the canvas inside5Click Here to Watch!Click Here to Purchase Supplies on Amazon
InstructionsThe Paint Pour will be done in one session…. You may choose to do multiple paintings over the month so that you can spend more intentional time together. In either case, remember to start with the Conversation Starters!Set up the empty yogurt containers inside the shallow box so that the canvas can be level and placed on top. The shallow box is used as a base to catch the excess paint. Shake the bottles of paint before starting. The canvas is elevated off the box using the yogurt containers so that the paint can drip down the sides and it’s easier to pick up to move around. Using the 12oz cups, one for each pour, layer the paint into the cup until the cup is about halfway full. Adding a small amount of each color and then repeating the pattern is one way to add the paint to the cup. Adding equal amounts of the paint colors is not necessary. It’s okay to just use two colors, too. The point is, just add enough paint to the cup until it’s halfway full.6
Instructions7Two Choices: 1. FLIP the cup over onto the canvas. It’s fun and can be scary. Don’t be scared. What’s the worst that can happen? A fun paint mess for dipping things into! 2. Place the canvas over the top of the cup and flip it as a unit. Once the cup is flipped, allow a minute for the paint to settle to the bottom of the cup (which is now the top of the cup).Lift the cup from the canvas and allow the paint to spread onto the canvas. Observe the paint while it flows slowly around the canvas. Pick up the canvas and tilt the canvas towards the corners to create new flow and designs. Be patient while the paint moves.
InstructionsYou may want to add the leftover paint from the cup to the edges of the canvas. Adding paint directly onto the canvas will provide another effect for the paint. Using the “leftover” paint in the empty areas will help the paint move towards the edges if there’s not enough paint on the canvas.Once you are happy with the design and the paint has flowed over the edges, move the canvas to a protected space that is flat and away from direct sunlight. Allow it to dry completely elevated on a few cups so it doesn’t get stuck to the table.The paint pour technique is very forgiving! The point of this project is to have a good time exploring how the paint moves, getting messy and finding joy in the unexpected.8Don’t forget to share your creations on social media!Tag @AmysArtPaletteUse #TheDuetProject
Reflection PromptsPaint PourPlay & WellnessFavorite Part of the Project:Something that surprised me this month:Things I want to remember about this month’s experience:Click Here For a Printer Friendly Download9Date:
Learning to PlayMy older sister Robin demonstrates the epitome of play and wellness on a daily basis. As a professional pet care service provider, she integrates play and wellness into her routine especially since she gets to be around animals every day. How can you not be playful when taking care of, sometimes, 20 dogs at a time!?Robin is also a tennis star, (literally!) having a USTA ranking of 5.0. She makes a point of getting on the court several times each week to take care of her physical body and her mental health. Playing tennis not only is good for Robin’s body and mind, but she’s found joy in the community of friends she plays with locally, as well as the group of women she travels with to tournaments.Spending time with Robin is always fun and filled with adventure and laughs. When we spend time alone or with family, there is always some type of play involved- we take long walks or hikes, we dance to nostalgic music, and eat good food– and always end up laughing in ways I can only laugh like with my sisters- deep, tight belly laughs that are hard to control. I usually have to leave the room to calm down, but the endorphins that get released during that hysterical laughter episode is good for my soul– just like my sister Robin– and just like play and wellness!How will you bring play into your days?10My Sister Robin
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Reflection PromptsPaint PourPlay & WellnessFavorite Part of the Project:Something that surprised me this month:Things I want to remember about this month’s experience:Date:Reflection PromptsPaint PourPlay & WellnessFavorite Part of the Project:Something that surprised me this month:Things I want to remember about this month’s experience:Date:
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