Usually we think of play existing primarily within the world of children. But play is an integral part of all life. When we allow ourselves to play we are releasing ourselves from concern about what others think of us. We throw ourselves into the creative flow of life and enjoy a deep connection, free of worry, longing, and fear. In relinquishing the imagined control of how we are perceived and received, we, ironically, become freer to connect with others and with our environment. How wonderful to throw our heads back and laugh as the swing takes us higher up towards the sky. How blissful it is to hold the hand of a loved one and run freely down the beach.
So much of our lives are spent trying to navigate human social systems and hierarchies. We become obsessed with praise and blame. We mold ourselves into pretzels in order to receive from the outside what we are aching for on the inside.
Play, however, nourishes our souls from the inside. When we play we are literally embracing life by living in the moment, which is why it is so pleasurable. Being present in the moment, paying attention to the joy available in the experience of the moment, allows for experiencing life as it is in this moment. It frees us in that moment from the bonds of regrets or longing for the past. It frees us in that moment from the bonds of worry or waiting for some possible future. This “nowness” is the essence of play. Playing is an expressive and creative form of joy and gratitude of life itself.
Play is an inherent gift of childhood. Children learn about themselves and the world around them through play. They interact with their environment in open and free expressions. It is a delight to observe their freedom, their ease with connecting to spirit through play.
Adults, oftentimes, lose connection to this innate gift of play, but they can rediscover it with a mindful intent to do so. Allowing creative flow to move our minds and bodies is a glorious expression of life. When people tap into this flow, so much joy and happiness floods in, that play becomes not just enjoyable, but a energy for healing our pains and sufferings.
Play is a time of bonding to those around us. Without play, relations with others can be become so heavy and unfulfilling. When we play, we shed our reservations, our tightness to our insecurities, and allow our love and freedom of spirit to lead the way.
Making time for play, and embracing spontaneous moments of play, are essential for a healthy life no matter what age we are.
Become mindful of those times when play sweeps into life. If we are noticing that there are not times of play, it might be a good idea to make space to play and reconnect to our inherent sense of a free spirit.
Happiness is a word that is commonly associated with meditation these days. The word “joy” may communicate the idea better. “Happy and carefree” is a familiar joining of words. “Carefree” is not really what we are talking about here at YWM. In fact, a regular practice of meditation often leads to an increase in “caring” rather than freedom from caring. “Joy” is a deeper experience, and one that can carry us through difficult times, and lead us through times of confusion and doubt, and toward a deeper relationship with self and with others around us.
But it is not all about heaviness and seriousness. When we take time to slow down and notice what we are experiencing at the present moment, we can begin to enjoy moments that previously might have slipped by, covered over in regret or longing for yesterday or worry or longing for tomorrow. We can enjoy more often and more deeply.
Take some time at this moment to notice a Blessing of this Day . . .
and take a moment to enjoy it