In this episode Lisa and Whit dive into the topic of play — not as frivolous or childish, but as a transformative, grounding, and healing part of life. Lisa shares her journey of intentionally focusing on play as a monthly theme, discovering how even simple, lighthearted actions helped her move through heaviness and connect more deeply with herself and others. Both hosts reflect on childhood experiences with play — or the lack of it — and explore how redefining playfulness as adults can bring joy, connection, and resilience. The conversation offers an invitation: to notice what brings lightness, to redefine fun in personal terms, and to set an intention for play to be part of daily life, however that looks for you.
Key Points:
Play begins with intention—when we look for it, we start to see it everywhere.
Being playful isn’t about being loud or silly; it’s about bringing lightness to your everyday life.
Play looks different for everyone—there’s no right way to do it.
Many of us were taught to be “serious” or “mature” too early, and play can feel unsafe or unfamiliar now.
Reconnecting with play can be healing—it helps us laugh more, stress less, and show up differently.
Even small moments—like sending a funny reel or dancing in the kitchen—can shift your energy.
Play can soften heavy emotions and bring connection, especially in stressful times.
Being playful doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff—it means choosing to stay open to joy alongside it.
Reflection: "What’s one playful thing you can try this week—just for you?" We’d love to hear in the comments!
A child who does not play is not a child, but the man who does not play has lost forever the child who lived within him and who he will miss terribly. - Pablo Neruda
Whit Stewart
You can find Whit online at Madrona Coaching, on Substack at madronajournals.substack.com or on Instagram @madronacoaching
Offline, when she’s escaped the city, you'll find her in the woods or on the shore.
Lisa Bolin
You can connect with Lisa at Flourish Mind and Body, on Substack Flucking Flourishing and Northern Notes, and on Instagram @lisabolin_flourish
Offline, she’s connecting with nature, taking a dip, or reading a good book.
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