The most important thing in Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. – Pierre de Coubertin.
The spirit of the Olympics brings the world together. It fosters the appreciation of fair, free, fun, and pure-play at the highest level. A few controversies arose during the opening ceremony. But given the magnitude of peaceful global competition, these are worth putting aside.
The media and advertisers also value and project the need for us to get out, play, and have fun. And who better to lead the charge than Snoop Dog!
Perhaps just a temporary reprieve from the heat, politics, and personal life issues. Yet these great Olympians influence us.
Individually and collectively they show their commitment to excellence and physical fitness. They exhibit fortitude, grit, resilience, and pure joy.
They do this without the bullshit brought on by social media and ‘gotcha moments’ from mainstream news media.
These great athletes are extraordinary yet down to earth. Some are ridiculously bulked up. Others nerdy, with blemishes, flaws, and not-so-perfect features. Most are thoughtful, intelligent, focused, and genuine. All are in the moment.
How refreshing. How pure. Wow. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Excluding the muscles, they are normal yet inspire self-reflection and personal motivation. I can swim those extra laps! I can run that extra half mile!
I can improve myself and the lives of those around me by playing well with a playful perspective.
As Olga Korbut suggests…
This ability to Conquer oneself is no doubt the most precious of all things sports bestows.
For Pete’s sake, it’s just play! Let’s not forget that is where they all began and why they perform at their highest level today. Unlike the rest of us, they just do it all the time every day.
That’s where we all need to be. Now. And especially as we move out of the Olympics and back into everyday life.
Where are you in the game? How has this Olympics influenced your playful spirit, mind, body and soul?
Practice Playfulness 
