Freedom From Perfectionism

The PlayfuLife Podcast

0:00

-54:31

Dec 24, 2023

Title: “Philosophy of Play: Overcoming Perfectionism with Shelly Johnson”

Introduction:

Join us for a profound episode of The Playfulife Podcast featuring Shelly Johnson, a philosopher in play, sharing her journey from perfectionism to rediscovering the joy of play.
Shelly reflects on her early shift from playfulness to perfectionism, leading to anxiety and discouragement in her pursuit of flawlessness.

Episode Highlights:

Early Struggles with Perfectionism:
- Shelly recalls her early experiences with perfectionism during piano lessons and academic pressures, impacting her joy of learning and self-image.
- The negative impact of perfectionism on her relationship with herself and the transformation it brought in her life.
Rediscovering Playfulness:
- Embracing fencing as an outlet and learning to detach from life’s seriousness, allowing curiosity and joy to reemerge.
- Pursuing a philosophy Ph.D., adopting a playful attitude of detachment and curiosity, leading to her successful graduation.
Philosophy of Play:
- Shelly delves into the philosophy of play, drawing from Aristotle’s notion of Eutrapelia and the balance between taking life too seriously and not seriously enough.
- Exploring the primal drive for play and its role in human life and societal health.
Playfulness and Mindfulness:
- Connecting playfulness with mindfulness, observing life gently and walking as a meditative practice.
- Embracing self-compassion and recognizing worthiness as crucial elements in overcoming perfectionism.
Being Our Own Best Friend:
- Shelly emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, recognizing and nurturing the seeds of goodness within us.
- Encouraging a compassionate approach, filled with wonder, curiosity, and joy towards oneself.