Stress, fear, and anxiety rule your lives. Meanwhile, you\'re missing out on the most Fundamental. Human beings are hardwired to play, yet as you grow up that ability is often squashed by a regimented culture that respects conformity and control over spontaneity and joy. It\'s time tapped into a gift every human and every puppy owns one you\'re all born with playfulness. For instance, all know that it\'s a good idea to live with less stress in your life, but you might ask how do you actually do this on a day today basis? Here are some examples of ordinary events that can be transformed into stress reducers by doing them the Playful Way instead of the Regular Way. Doing laundry the Regular Way Load washing machine with dirty clothes. Measure and add soap. Turn on machine. Doing laundry the Playful Way Turn on your favorite music nice and loud. Sing and dance along as you throw in an approximate amount of soap without measuring. Remember the fun you had the last time you wore that silk teddy that works for women too, and make a mental note to send a sexy email to the person you were with.

Taking the kids to school the Regular Way. Yell at everyone that they\'re going to be late and make you late for work, until someone probably you is on the verge of tears or putting his fist through a wall. In the car, lecture your children about being late and while you\'re at it you can bring up the subject of their filthy rooms, their bad grades, and their slacker friends. Keep the radio tuned to a station that specializes in news of really scary world events. Neglect to notice the forgotten lunch box, homework, backpack until you are miles away and late for work. Taking the kids to school the Playful Way. Offer a treat or special privilege for the first one standing at the door, ready to go. Tune the radio to a station your kids like and dance with both hands on the wheel and sing along at top volume. You get extra points if your singing embarrasses any teenagers who happen to be in the car, they need to learn to lighten up too. When you get to school, tell your kids that today you\'re going to trade places, they\'ll go to work for you and you\'ll learn algebra from Ms. Smith.

You have a secret weapon, one that the Pentagon has been keeping under wraps for fear that one of the enemies or, even worse, the Congress of the United States, might get hold of it. The talk is, of course, about the harmonica. Start playing the harmonica and those extra pounds will melt away. Your spirits will lift, and your life will be smooth and well organized. Smokers will quit smoking, old people will feel young again, and young people will discover the meaning of life. Aches and pains, self doubt, and nagging worries will be a thing of yesterday. You will make peace with your deadbeat brothering law, your golf game will improve, and you\'ll find true love. Your salary will double and double again and you will be inundated with fabulous career choices. That toilet that won\'t stop running will run no more. Continue to play and the world will experience an unprecedented era of peace and prosperity. And all because you may learn to playing harmonica.


By Alex Berg harmonica and melody master.