It’s a Beautiful Day in My Neighborhood … The Benefits of Play
As the saying goes, “All work and no play…”
The past few days have been sunny and even warmer here! Spring is my favorite time of year as it’s about NEW beginnings. Tree buds opening, flowers blooming — and there’s more daylight.
Some springs of the past have lasted only days, going from winter to summer. Weather wise, I mean. If those days aren’t on a weekend, I’ve missed that time outside as I am normally indoors at work…
…Not this spring though! I have been enjoying the freedom of getting outside whenever I want and going for a walk. As I have mentioned in previous articles, walking is my therapy, my fun, my play.
It sounds frivolous and unproductive to be walking outside when I should be inside creating my NEW business and writing my articles.
Actually, it’s quite the opposite! Research shows that spending some time playing actually boosts productivity and happiness. Play brings joy! It’s vital for creativity, problem solving, and even in strengthening relationships.
It’s sad for me to think that as we grow up, we tend to leave play behind — at least some of us. I know I did. Or it becomes something that we just occasionally do. Seems like competitive play is the only honored form of play as adults.
So what is play? It’s a state of being. Play is art, books, movies, music, comedy, flirting and daydreaming. It’s a catalyst. Play is the purest expression of love, according to Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play.
Reconnecting with play, Dr. Brown continues, can be accomplished by remembering past play memories. How did you play when you were a child? Was it alone or with others? How can you recreate it today?
For me, I loved to be outside, either hanging out with friends or by myself. I enjoyed my neighborhood. I was the one walking with my transistor radio (the Pandora of years past :).
Or roller skating, skateboarding, bike riding… wheels… Brings a smile to my face right now typing this — JOY — and I’m experiencing it right here inside in front of my computer.
A lot of imagination was used in my play time. My friends and I would act out our favorite TV shows…Go on new adventures as the characters we so loved. In the summer, I was out until the street lights came on.
It’s no wonder that walking is now my form of play. I live within walking distance of where I grew up. I connect with my childhood park, it’s path lovingly worn with age — and the sidewalks to, from and all around it. Filled with memories, both of my childhood and my children’s time there as well.
The pavement that I’ve walked as a child, teen, young adult, mother — and now…
The findings shared earlier — I can attest to them all. It certainly boosts my happiness. It also gives me a chance to escape reality and daydream. It brings me joy — I’m usually walking with a big smile on my face. How can I not?! Blue sky, beautifully bare or lush green trees (depending on the season). Answers to my problems have come to me when I walk. And creativity — my vision of my NEW business came to me while I was walking.
“Play can lead us to these sacred spaces and touch people in powerful ways”. States Dr. Bowen White, who began his work with Patch Adams.
If you haven’t already, I hope that you will bring some play into your daily life. It is so beneficial — and just a lot of fun. We need more fun, especially now.
Today I spent one hour walking feeling PURE JOY — how powerful is that?!
Another tool to add to your toolkit :)
Do you play? If so, what is your form of play? Please feel free to share.
Until next time~
Sending you light, love — and play!
Be Well,
