I would like to use this post as an opportunity to talk about “play.” I know, it’s somewhat of a foreign concept to me… which is why I want to talk about play as it pertains to work.  Working for My Yoga Online has taught me the importance of bonding, laughter and movement – even/especially at work.

This year for Halloween , in a repeat costume, I went as Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” – in the peasant costume that she wears at the beginning of the Disney version. I made the costume myself by altering some clothing pieces that I found at Value Village. That’s me at my staff Halloween party below.

We spend a lot of time (for a visual, check out this youtube videos that measures out our time in jellybeans) at work, so shouldn’t it be somewhere that we enjoy going? The CEO’s of the company I work for go out of their way to foster a feeling of belonging and connection in the work environment:

• once (sometimes twice) a week they bring in a yoga teacher to teach a staff yoga class
• they installed a water filtration system so that we could enjoy cold clean water
• they decorated the office with plants for our health and wellness
• they purchase a cake and card every time that we have a staff birthday
• and they keep our kitchen fully stocked with coffee and tea for our convenience and enjoyment.

Each of these things, big or small, mean a lot to me. Their actions show me that they care about the employees that work for them. Different from every job that I’ve had previous to this one, I actually feel incredibly valued for the work and effort that I’ve put forward for this company. I think that the best way to run any business is to get your staff excited about the product that they’re selling, because passion and belonging are way better motivators than money. If you don’t like and respect the people/company you work for, no matter how much they pay you, you’ll always complain that it’s not enough.

What does this have to do with play?

Well, I’ve learned that play involves vulnerability. It’s difficult to feel vulnerable in a place where you don’t feel respected or valued — where you don’t feel connected with the people you’re working with. I think that play is also essential for productivity. If you’re having fun then OF COURSE you’re going to get more done.

I just recently finished reading Brene Brown’s book “The Gifts of Imperfection” and she had an entire chapter on the importance of laughter, song and dance in our lives. Here’s an excerpt from that chapter:

“Laughter, song and dance create emotional and spiritual connection; they remind us of the one thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration, or healing: We are not alone.”

“A good belly laugh, singing at the top of your lungs, and dancing like no one is looking are unquestionably good for the soul. But as I mentioned, they are also exercises in vulnerability. There are many shame triggers around the vulnerability of laughing, song, and dance. The list includes the fear of being perceived as awkward, goofy, silly, spastic, and foolish.”

Dancing in public (and singing for that matter) have always been scary for me. I have no problem at home but, for me, dancing on stage (and trying to be good – it’s a cop out when you intentionally try to dance or sing badly) is scarier than appearing naked in public.

“For many of us, there is no form of self-expression that makes us feel more vulnerable than dancing. It’s literally full-body vulnerability.”

We spend SO much time at work: why shouldn’t we be able to play, laugh and sing with our colleagues? I also work for a growing website, and creativity is a large part of our job. At our weekly production meetings we’re expected to brainstorm and come up with new ideas. Putting yourself out there and sharing your ideas is a lot scarier in an environment where you don’t feel a sense of connection.

From this section the quote that stuck out with me the most was one that she took from the movie “Almost Famous”

“The Only True Currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.”

Halloween is all about being uncool. Success comes when you bravely stand out from the crowd and, well, behave “uncooly.” You’ll never get anywhere by blending in.

That’s why I am so grateful to work for a company that appreciates our individuality, is okay with our goofiness, and actually cares about our health and wellbeing.

Now that is how EVERY company should be run!

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