I play as I work and work as I play
Either way same one day.
One me in the middle,
I am what I am
Whether I work or play
Tis I.

To divide your life into two aspects of worktime and playtime is a normal perception to have given that so much of our taught perspective divides time as such and stresses the "thank god it’s Friday" mentality. But, we miss. There is another way to look at work and play: look at them as opposite sides of the same thing. When you get caught up into believing that these two activities are separate you miss the present joy of being you — a centered, poised and joyous individual. Everything has its duality, that is true, but do not forget that there is one mind behind that duality. Everything has its yin side and its yang side and every side has its lesser and greater — its good times and bad times (so to speak). But, in reality it is all of one — there can be no other.

One mind — when you are not living from the back of your brain with old notions and thoughts — lost as a zombie in your mind field, you may notice that your mind has a unique ability to be a transmitter and a receiver. Your mind is the transmitter — concentration and focus to get a job done — transmit your creation. It is the receiver — open and clear (without preconceived notions) to receive new thought. Whether at work or at play, if we do anything under duress and pressure, we will not feel any satisfaction and certainly not be present. If we only work to get money or play with an intention of an ulterior motive, we do not get any gratification and we lie, hurt and deceive only our self. Work, play, devotion, entertainment, relaxation, mopping the floor and study: all when done with attention and without any ulterior motives or distraction of preprogrammed thought (such as, "I hate to study.") allows you to experience your life as joy. You always will be you whether you are at work or play — so why not be the best you can be?

How can you set up your work and home space to support you in this goal of enjoying the moment regardless of whether you are at work or play or doing something that you love or not especially enjoy? Choose a reminder. This reminder can be as simple as a piece of jewerly such as a ring that when you look at it, it "reminds" you to be your joyous, present you. Reminders placed in your home or office can be a photo of a scene of beauty or one of a person who means much to you. It can be a happy plant or a special rock or even a statue of a bunny rabbit. Infuse this reminder with your intention to be present with no pulls of attention and allow it to remind you to appreciate the moment and task at hand. Do your work as an offering and your play as a thankfulness.

There is an expression that says, "When you eat, eat." This means to not let your mind wander — not to read or watch TV or think of other tasks that may need to be done. Just eat — enjoy your food — appreciate the tastes, colors, textures of your food. Allow your food to nourish you, otherwise you will miss the experience of eating and on a major level — not get nourished properly. This is the same with your work or your play — do not wish to be somewhere else while working or feel guilty that you should be doing something else while you are playing and relaxing.

Life is here and now — right now — this is it! No matter what you are doing if you are not in the present, you miss life. Design your home to support you in all the things you need to do and take joy in the mundane and allow simple everyday moments to become special.