What’s the first memory that pops into your head when you hear the word play? Does it take you back to childhood, or does a more recent memory come to mind?
Episode 012: What’s the first memory that pops into your head when you hear the word play? Does it take you back to childhood, or does a more recent memory come to mind?
In this episode, I sit down with children’s yoga educators Wendy Brown and Catherine Tansley to explore the transformative power of play and why it’s just as essential in adulthood as it is in childhood. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by the seriousness of life, this episode will remind you that joy—and a good dose of silliness—are essential for wholehearted living.
We dive into what it means to create safe spaces for expression, how to lighten heavy moments, and why letting your guard down can be an act of courage. Wendy and Catherine share their personal journeys of rediscovering playfulness through yoga, in community, and through powerful life experiences, reminding us that playfulness can be a lifelong pursuit.
We’ll talk about how to embrace vulnerability, release self-judgment, and invite joy into everyday tasks. Whether it’s dancing on the sidewalk, finding humor in the mundane, or saying “so what” more often, this conversation is an invitation to soften life’s edges and celebrate the simple magic of play.
Key Takeaways:
- How seeking friendships rooted in playfulness can strengthen us.
- How a very awkward yoga experience led to a surprising shift for Wendy, helping her let down her guard and rediscover spontaneity.
- How yoga opened up a playful side of Catherine, a side she had distanced herself from.
- The importance of spontaneity and how being silly can help us navigate the seriousness of life.
- How teenage years bring up a lot of internalized pressures to do well and strive for perfection, often distancing us from playfulness and joy.
- How the phrase “so what” can help us find the courage to play.
- How playfulness ebbs and flows in our lives, and the different kinds of play.
- What inner child work means to Catherine and Wendy, and how it can help us all.
Key Links:
Wendy Brown’s Socials:
– https://www.instagram.com/wendyvarana/
– https://www.facebook.com/wendy.w.brown.5
About the Guests:
Wendy Brown, RYT 1000, has assisted the HeartRise program since 2013. Wendy delights all with her contagious laugh, playful spirit and love of music. When Wendy’s not teaching, assisting or supporting people in recovery, she is “Grammie” to 5 incredible little souls. Wendy has extensive experience teaching children and shares her wisdom in the HeartRise program.
Catherine Tansley, RYT 500+, has been a yoga instructor since 2008. Catherine has assisted and taught in a variety of foundational and advanced teacher training programs with DevaTree. Catherine is also a kindergarten teacher in outdoor education where she incorporates yoga into her work. She brings joy, enthusiasm, and curiosity to children and adults alike. Catherine teaches the core curriculum in the HeartRise program.
Intro Music by Brenda McMorrow – All One Song from the album “My Heart Bows Down to You”. brendamcmorrow.com
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