In this post, I want to talk about my hula hoop and the forest.
But first, let me tell you a little bit about myself: I get really, really serious about life sometimes.
And that’s okay. I am a sensitive person. And I think a lot. I research and write and teach about political philosophy. That’s because, among other things, I really care about the world and people and ethics.
And I embrace this part of me. When I use these sensitive and serious gifts of mine well, it helps me bring more wisdom and clarity into the world.
But my serious side is just one side of me. I also have a really playful, adventurous, silly, and imaginative side of me that is full of childlike wonder and joy.
This week, that side of me said, “I think you have been neglecting me a little bit lately. Let’s play.”
That part of me was right.
So I have been doing cartwheels lately. 
And I went hiking with my husband in the forest the other day.
I saw this big, beautiful leaf that looked like a dinosaur fossil.
And an adorable little mushroom poking up out of the forest floor.
I have a travel hula hoop that I can break into segments that allows me to transport it all over the place. So, I brought it with me on the hike. I love taking photographs of me hooping in unique places.
The lighting in the forest was perfect, and my husband captured really nice hoop spin in these shots.
This week I have remembered that it is okay to embrace both sides of us–the light and dark, the playful and serious. Both sides are a part of life. And I need both. Magic lies in accepting and nurturing both.
That’s because when we accept all the parts of our life, we create a safe space of kindness, respect, and compassion for ourselves. That is how we show love to ourselves and the world.
Peace, Friend.
*****
How do you nurture the serious and playful side of you? I would love to hear below.
If you would like to read about more hula hoop adventures, you might like this post:
The Dao De Jing is one of my favorite books that talks about embracing all the different parts of our life. You can find it here.
Published by shellypruittjohnson
My name is Shelly Johnson, and I am a writer and philosopher with a Ph.D. in philosophy. One of my primary personal and philosophical interests is how we can learn to love ourselves and each other better in order to cultivate personal and political resilience. I teach ethics and a variety of other courses at a local college. I am the author of the blog Love is Stronger. I am also the author of three logic and critical thinking books for high school and middle school: _Argument Builder_, _Discovery of Deduction_ (co-author), and _Everyday Debate_, published by Classical Academic Press. You can reach me at shellypruittjohnson@gmail.com.
View all posts by shellypruittjohnson
Love it. Good for you Shelly! And we both posted a shroom today! ?
I saw that, too, Jodi! I really liked your shroom picture!
Looks like you had a wonderful day! If I tried a cart wheel I would probably break something – something around me and some of my bones!
Haha, M.B. Well, occasionally I do have some spills. I have been working up to doing solid and controlled cartwheels again.
I loved your idea of hula hooping in unique places and lovely photos! I too tend to take life seriously often. I so enjoy when I get to be in touch with the lighter side of me 🙂
It’s so important, isn’t it, P? I have been trying to make sure I don’t forget this side of me. It is easy to do sometimes.
Yes I agree that is so easy to forget 🙂
I swim and visit with friends at the pool, read a good book, go for a roll in the park, watch a feel-good movie, and look at my daughters wonderful posts and pictures! And play with our beautiful grandchildren!
Yay! That’s so sweet and wonderful, Mom. Those are wonderful ways to play and relax.