Unlocking Inner Zen: How LEGO® Bricks Can Boost Your Mindfulness

By -
Adults Welcome sign in a LEGO® store
"LEGO Adults welcome, Oosterflank, Rotterdam (2021)" by Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) is licensed under CC BY 4.0.


… and Why Adults Are Obsessed!

Remember the simple joy of snapping LEGO® bricks together as a child? Turns out, that pure focus and satisfaction aren't just nostalgia, they are the secret ingredients to a powerful dose of mindfulness in the modern world.

If meditation mantras and scented candles are not your thing, LEGO® can become an unexpected (and delightful) gateway to mental well-being for adults seeking stress relief and creative expression. It's not just a trend, either. Research shows that the repetitive, tactile nature of building with LEGO® activates neural pathways associated with calmness and focus, effectively reducing anxiety and improving cognitive function.

Here's why LEGO® can be the ultimate adult mindfulness tool:

Hands-on focus: Building with LEGO® requires present-moment awareness, directing your attention away from digital distractions and ruminating thoughts. The clinking of bricks, the smooth texture of plastic, the satisfaction of a perfect fit – all engage your senses and pull you into the present moment.

Creative freedom: Unlike rigid meditation practices, LEGO® offers limitless possibilities for self-expression. Whether you follow instructions or build your own masterpieces, the creative process allows you to tap into your inner child and release stress in a playful way.

Flow state achievement: LEGO® building can induce a state of flow, a state of complete absorption and enjoyment where time seems to disappear. This natural high provides a break from everyday worries and leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

Community and connection: Joining the thriving LEGO® adult community, whether online or in person, fosters a sense of belonging and shared passion. Connecting with other builders over creative projects and challenges can combat loneliness and boost social well-being.

Ready to build your own path to mindfulness with LEGO®?

Here are some tips:

Start small: Don't jump into building the Taj Mahal on day one. Choose a smaller set or grab a handful of bricks and let your creativity flow.

Focus on the sensory experience: Pay attention to the sound of snapping bricks, the texture of different pieces, and the satisfaction of completing a step.

Embrace imperfection: There's no "right" way to build with LEGO®. Let go of expectations and enjoy the process of exploration and discovery.

Make it social: Build with friends and family, join online communities, attend LEGO® events or even join an Adult Fan of LEGO® (AFOL) club. Sharing the experience adds another layer of joy and connection.

So, dust off those old LEGO® boxes or go out and get some brand new bricks. This year, rediscover the therapeutic power of building, one colourful brick at a time. Your mind (and inner child) will thank you for it.


If you are interested in learning more about Mindfulness and LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and how I can help you, please drop me a message on LinkedIn, or get in touch to find out more.
Location: Ealing, London, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rain, A Crow, and Falling Stars: Haiku Love Reborn

By -
Image
“Rain falls down kissing the crow on the bright green grass, yellow stars falling" - Powered by Dall-E 3. Haiku is the traditional Japanese poetic form which captivates readers with its brevity and evocative imagery. I first created a created a haiku in the 1990’s and I have been mystified by their conciseness and beauty ever since. Yesterday (26.05.2024), I attended a haiku workshop called “Nature’s Meditation”, facilitated by Nora D’Ecclesis and organised by Thane Lawrie , and it was a truly empowering experience of our own individual sensory journeys on a dreich Sunday lunchtime. Surrounded by other members of the Aberdeenshire Soto Zen group that I attend (albeit on Google Meet) who were also interested in this concise art form, I learned about the power of observation and how to condense vivid imagery into a mere 17 syllables. The workshop fuelled my creativity and left me with a newfound sense of poetic achievement. After a great dive into the history of haiku and
Read more

A Week of Magic at the Annual International LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Conference

By -
Image
Karen Grayburn presenting our group work to the floor I have just returned from an incredible week immersed in the world of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® at the Annual International Conference at the LEGOLAND Hotel and Conference in Billund, Denmark. It was a whirlwind of learning, play, community, and connection that I'll cherish for a long time to come. My Key Takeaways from the Conference: Reframing Thinking with LSP: I delved deeper into the power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® as a tool for reframing thinking. The new LSP application created by intHRface proved invaluable in unlocking new perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Levelling Up Facilitation Skills: The conference provided opportunities to enhance my facilitation skills through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions. I learned valuable lessons and techniques to guide teams effectively and create a collaborative environment. The Power of Playful Learning: One of the highlights was a playful exercise wh
Read more

When It is OK Not To Share: A Blogger's Quandary

By -
Image
“A Field of Dreams" by Karen Grayburn. The weekend just gone was absolutely incredible. What a fantastic and fabulous time. A gathering of friends of thirty-odd years in a field in Aberdeenshire for three days - and prepping the festival area for five days before that. It was a delight! I want to blog about it, but it seems just too sacred an experience to share openly. Blogging and content-writing is often seen as a platform for open and honest expression. A space where we share our thoughts, experiences, and passions with the world. But what happens when you have something burning to say, something that feels important and genuine, yet it's simply not appropriate to share publicly? It's a frustrating dilemma. You grapple with the urge to connect with your audience on a deeper level, to be truly authentic. But there's a line, a boundary that must be respected. Perhaps it's a personal matter that could hurt others, or something that might be misinterpreted an
Read more