Slowing down with Play to Optimise - with Josh Piterman

Introduction: In a world that often prioritises productivity over play, it's essential to remember the importance of reconnecting with our inner child. In today's podcast episode, Josh Piterman and Shradha Haria delve deep into the essence of play, exploring how it relates to our authentic selves and the blissful state we all seek. Join us as we unpack the transformative power of play and how it can lead to a more joyful existence. Josh is an established musical theatre performer and classical crossover artist who has worked consistently on Australian and global stages for over 15 years. His past credits include being a part of the international pop opera group The Ten Tenors, Tony in the 2010 Australian production of West Side Story, Bustopher Jones/Gus/Growltiger in the 2015/16 Australian season of Cats (a role that won him the Green Room Award for best supporting actor in a Musical), Corny Collins in the UK tour of Hairspray and Gerry Goffin in the 2017/18 Australian tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. His impressive West End debut came as he took on the most coveted role as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera in 2019, which he reprised at the Sydney Opera House & Arts Centre Melbourne in 2022/23. He most recently returned to the West End to play the iconic role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre. Understanding Play: The podcast begins with a thought-provoking definition of play, described as anything that brings us into a state of expansive joy and bliss. This state, rooted in concepts from Sanskrit and yoga, is referred to as Ananda, or bliss. However, the definition of play is personal and varies from person to person. For some, play might mean expressive creativity, while for others, it could be found in curiosity or humor. The conversation emphasizes the importance of identifying areas in our lives where we feel resistance or stagnation. By bringing an authentic, playful mindset into these spaces, we can reignite the joy that may have been overshadowed by life's challenges. The Authentic Self and Childhood Memories: As the discussion progresses, the hosts explore the concept of the authentic self, which is often obscured by past traumas and conditioning experienced during childhood. One poignant example shared involves a childhood incident where a playful moment turned into a shameful experience, highlighting how such moments can influence our adult lives. The conversation does not shy away from discussing the complexities of trauma, distinguishing between capital T trauma and little t traumas. These experiences, whether significant or subtle, shape our self-worth and sense of safety. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their childhood experiences and to approach these memories with love and compassion, ultimately fostering healing. The discussion also touches upon the high-frequency nature of play. While many associate play with high-energy activities, the hosts emphasize that play can also be gentle and introspective, such as the act of pondering or simply being present in nature. This gentle approach to play encourages a sense of connection and allows for deeper self-reflection. Key Takeaways: - Play is a personal and expansive experience that can revitalize joy in our lives. - Childhood experiences shape our adult selves and can be approached with compassion for healing. - Breathwork and nervous system regulation are essential for emotional well-being. - Embracing fear and cultivating courage are key to personal growth and deeper connections. Follow Josh Piterman:https://www.instagram.com/behindthemaskcoaching/Follow Shradha Haria:http://instagram.com/shradha_haria/https://linktr.ee/lifability/