Play.

Would you consider that play is actually one of our default settings? Just like a new computer we come into this world with certain preset actions, one of them being play. As little kids we played without second thought, so why didi some of us stray away from engaging in child-like fun? Everyone has their own experience. For some, playful activity never stopped, for others, innocence left or was taken and play slowed down or exited completely. Whatever your experience was, I invite you to know that play is just as important as any other aspect of health. At play we enter our “right brain”, sometimes referred to as the “flow state”, which literally changes our brain wave frequency. Entering this state enhances learning, creativity, releases endorphins, slows down our perception of time, increases longevity, and even strengthens our immune system.

If you are one of those people that became disconnected from play at some point you’re not alone. Many things stifle play, some of them being expectations, societal norms, family circumstances, and the schooling systems. So how do we insert play back into our lives? I’d offer by getting curious. Consider asking yourself…

What may have triggered my disconnection from play?

Where would I guess I learned that it wasn’t safe to play?

Do parts of me feel guilty for playing? Where might I have learned that?

How did I used to play as a kid? What did I love doing as a kid that I got away from? What do I find fun now?

Did parts of me pick up any limiting beliefs concerning my inability to play?

Where in my schedule do I have time to play?

If any part of you experiences resistance to play consider to start asking questions to those parts. We can deflect our ego through curiosity because those parts of us don’t know how to handle questions. You can even insert play into your work if you don’t feel like you have enough time. In his book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”, Rick Rubin explains that play doesn’t mean you can’t take something seriously, it just means you’re not going about it in a serious way. He goes on to offer that maybe you could get into a playful state while doing the work, then turn your adult side back on once it’s time to analyze what you did.

Play is not about outcomes it’s purely a gift we give ourselves, just for the sake of feeling light, free, and present. Can you imagine what your life would feel like if you started to make play a priority?