The PlayfuLife Podcast

Freedom From Perfectionism

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Title: “Philosophy of Play: Overcoming Perfectionism with Shelly Johnson”

Introduction:

  • Join us for a profound episode of The Playfulife Podcast featuring Shelly Johnson, a philosopher in play, sharing her journey from perfectionism to rediscovering the joy of play.
  • Shelly reflects on her early shift from playfulness to perfectionism, leading to anxiety and discouragement in her pursuit of flawlessness.

    • Episode Highlights:

    1. Early Struggles with Perfectionism:
      • Shelly recalls her early experiences with perfectionism during piano lessons and academic pressures, impacting her joy of learning and self-image.
      • The negative impact of perfectionism on her relationship with herself and the transformation it brought in her life.
      • Rediscovering Playfulness:
        • Embracing fencing as an outlet and learning to detach from life’s seriousness, allowing curiosity and joy to reemerge.
        • Pursuing a philosophy Ph.D., adopting a playful attitude of detachment and curiosity, leading to her successful graduation.
        • Philosophy of Play:
          • Shelly delves into the philosophy of play, drawing from Aristotle’s notion of Eutrapelia and the balance between taking life too seriously and not seriously enough.
          • Exploring the primal drive for play and its role in human life and societal health.
          • Playfulness and Mindfulness:
            • Connecting playfulness with mindfulness, observing life gently and walking as a meditative practice.
            • Embracing self-compassion and recognizing worthiness as crucial elements in overcoming perfectionism.
            • Being Our Own Best Friend:
              • Shelly emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, recognizing and nurturing the seeds of goodness within us.
              • Encouraging a compassionate approach, filled with wonder, curiosity, and joy towards oneself.

                • Resource Links:

                • Website: ShellypJohnson.com
                • Instagram: @shelly.p.johnson
                • Article: How I Overcame the Stress of Perfectionism by Learning to Play Again

                  • Keywords:

                  • Philosophy of play, perfectionism, rediscovering joy, mindfulness, self-compassion, human worthiness, overcoming anxiety, societal health.

                    • The post Freedom From Perfectionism appeared first on PlayfuLife.

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                    The PlayfuLife PodcastBy Anthony Trahair