The Secret to Youth is PLAY!
“Laughter, song, and dance create emotional and spiritual connection; they remind us of the one thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration, or healing: we are not alone.”
—Brené Brown
Play is instinctual in children - it flows naturally and usually in abundance and it isn’t until later in elementary/middle school that play takes on a different lens as we begin to care what our peer group at school think about us
It is usually at this time that we shift and begin closing parts of that innocent creative soul off in order to mature, adapt and thrive
Play suddenly begins to be ‘uncool’ - I see this sharply from the kids in the middle school in my neighbourhood where they still get recess to go outside and run and play on the climbing gyms to the stark shift at high school where recess is no longer and there is definitely no babyish climbing equipment around
Kids are almost forced to change, adapt in order to survive
This change is carried on as we mature and morph into adulthood with new adventures, responsibilities, jobs, money woes, having children, aging parents, death and disease…sheesh - sorry, that was a downer sentence but true!
Our culture is at odds with an adult who is ‘silly’ or ‘childlike’ - it bumps up against being serious, a hard worker and a responsible adult…
Soon we come to believe that our worth is based upon how much we can get done or how much others like us…
Children on the other hand are curious, funny, authentic, and see things through a lens of innocence - and if that’s being childish, then sign me up!
It is not fair that children play with such reckless abandon without fear of shame or discomfort while adults cringe at the thought of singing or dancing in public
I wholeheartedly believe in the magical power of play and that it can transform, heal, and educate
Play has been shown to relieve stress, improve brain function, boost creativity, increase and improve connections with others, increase energy, and heal emotional wounds
Play in adults:
Boosts your overall well-being
Helps you cope with stress
Boosts your physical health
Makes you feel more supported
Gives you a sense of hope
Develops your sense of humour
You naturally appreciate creativity and beauty more
Allows you to approach life with excitement and energy
So make time to play - schedule play time like kids do, bring play into work and your relationships, learn some jokes and new games and try something that you used to love as a kid
Play Personalities:
Dr. Stuart Brown, Founder of the National Institute for Play outlines 8 play personalities:
The Collector: You enjoy building collections, such as collecting stamps or vintage cars
The Competitor: You enjoy playing (and winning) games with specific rules, like playing for a neighborhood soccer league
The Creator or Artist: You find joy in making things, or making things work. You might enjoy doodling, woodworking, decorating, fixing machinery, or sewing
The Director: You enjoy planning and directing, like hosting themed birthday parties
The Explorer: You play by discovering something new, either physically (a new place) or mentally. You might play by going on a vacation to a new place or discovering a new type of music
The Joker: You enjoy being silly and foolish. You might enjoy improv theatre or simply making your friends laugh
The Kinesthete: You enjoy moving your body as play. You might practice yoga or take a dance class for fun
The Storyteller: You play by listening to or creating stories. You might enjoy going to the theater or writing in a journal
Here is a link to the quiz where you can find out your type of play personality - have fun with it!!
What play personality did you get and how do you bring play into your life? I am curious - let me know!