Smashing it: the joy of the coronavirus pinata

I just happened across this article in the New York Times about people smashing piñatas to excise some of their frustrations about this situation and I thought: how fantastic.

Of course, this pandemic is a very serious situation. Piñata smashing is not going to fix that. It’s just a bit of fun and silliness in the middle of a very serious situation.

On the other hand, it’s a bit of fun and silliness in the middle of a very serious situation.

I immediately, strongly, definitely wanted to do it. I suspect my 11 year old will also be keen.

I reflected on why I had such a viscerally positive response to this idea.

A psychologist interviewed for the article said “Hitting something (that should be hit, like a punching bag or a piñata) produces a physiological response that helps relieve tension and work through negative feelings (and, possibly, overcome them).”

The desire to burn off some strong physical stress is definitely part of the answer. But I also think there’s more to it.

Ritual and metaphor are extremely powerful. I see this in coaching when people visualise smashing a wall that stands between them and their goal, for example.

Metaphorically overcoming the thing that has been holding you back can evoke a powerful shift in your mental model of the relationship between you and that thing. It will leave you in a more resourceful state back in the real world.

And that’s more powerful than many people realise.

There is, to put it mildly, a great deal of uncertainty swirling around us at the moment. It’s hard, if not impossible, for many of us to plan for the future right now.

It’s worth thinking about what other rituals you might be able to create that can provide a release, add to your sense of control and agency, and build physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

And if you make a piñata, share a picture!

Take care of yourself and others,

Madeleine Shaw

I work with clients from executive leadership teams to the front line, helping them to make clearer decisions about what they want, and adapt faster and more easily to change and transition. I use deep purpose as a key to unlock powerful thriving in work and life.

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