International Launch: Play in May and Shape Your Brain, Open Imagination and Invigorate Your Soul!

GEELONG, Australia - April 29, 2014 - PRLog -- When was the last time you played - the sort of play that relaxes your mind and body, yet seems to invigorate you as well?

If you're like most adults - you probably can't remember, believing fun is more for children and pets, yet research is saying it's the missing link to feeling happier, more fulfilled and more joyful.

So this May the School of Modern Psychology is launching ‘PLAY IN MAY’, an initiative to bring more ‘play’ into our lives that's totally FREE for those enrolled.

For many of us, play is a forgotten art form best left for children and pets. Somewhere along the way we’ve bought into the guilt that play is a waste of time and that if we’re not being productive by learning a new skill, making money or being ‘busy’ doing whatever it is we do, then the guilt machine kicks in and we get back to the work of being ‘busy’.

Yet researchers like Dr Stuart Brown tell us that play is a catalyst for new ways of thinking. Play can kick-start innovation by getting us out of our logic brain and into creative ways to solve problems.

In the late 90s, a leading aerospace research facility realised it had a problem. Younger graduates being hired to replace retiring engineers and scientists weren’t good at problem solving – even though they came top of their field. The difference between the two generations was marked by each one’s exposure to tinkering at a young age and taking apart clocks, fixing appliances or making derby carts – in other words playing and solving problems with their hands. In two generations, the simple act of play that launched careers in space design and research now seems lost.

In another example, Gillian Lynne, choreographer for the musicals Cats and Phantom of the Opera, was labelled ‘mentally disabled’ because she fidgeted and didn’t pay attention at school. Today, in the age of ADHD diagnosis, Gillian Lynne would possibly have been medicated, not encouraged to explore her love of music and dance and ultimately told to stop ‘playing’. Yet ‘play’ became her future livelihood, bringing joy to millions.

As adults, play can also be a way of finding our own core truths. Through it we can harness a creative force that guides us to expand our world and opportunities. Through play we can find fulfilment and creative growth, and so during our busy days creativity and innovation are precious commodities worth finding time for.

Join the international launch of PLAY IN MAY and get 10 minutes of play direct to your inbox every day during May. www.schoolofmodernpsychology.com.au/play-in-may

Starting on May 1, you'll receive a DAILY 10 MINUTE DOSE OF PURE ‘PLAY’ to keep you invigorated and joyful. It's guaranteed to bring more fun, joy and happiness into your life.

Throughout the month, you’ll discover what your ‘play personality’ is and how you can begin a daily ritual designed to bring more balance into the way you work and relate to friends, family and work colleagues.

The research behind PLAY is based on the work of Dr Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play.

WHO IS THE PROGRAM FOR?

Parents, young people, educators, leaders, managers, professionals, artists – in fact anyone with an interest in getting more fun out of life!

If you're a therapist, counsellor, psychologist, teacher or parent, you know how much you give of yourself every day. This is your chance to get a daily refreshing dose of fun that will help keep you on top of your game.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL OF MODERN PSYCHOLOGY?

The School is based in Geelong and offers online programs to support people in being the best they can.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

10 minutes a day for each day during May to PLAY, get engaged and have more FUN !!!

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Our website has more details: www.schoolofmodernpsychology.com.au/play-in-may

Or contact the school directly via email: barbara@schoolofmodernpsychology.com.au for more information.

Barbara Grace is the Director of the School.