by Carmen Greger
Playing is one of the healthiest, simplest and most rewarding adventures we can ourselves create and embark on instantaneously, daily, regardless of age, resources or level of ‘expertise’. The joy, the connection, the celebration, the instant satisfaction and gratification of pure and simple play… priceless!
Unstructured play is especially rewarding and beneficial, as it sparks the imagination, enhances creativity, decreases stress, sooths thoughts of performance anxiety, presents ‘center stage’ the essence of the present moment, and rewards the player with an actualized ‘Power of Now’.
Play is healing, integrative and expansive for the individual (and/or group) participating in this brilliantly unplanned activity. The sheer willingness to embark curiously and adventurously on an uncharted pathway, with a Road not Taken methodology, sporting a ‘World is your Oyster’ mentality, all within a ‘No-Limits’ format, is sure not to disappoint.
Whether one chooses to engage in recreational park-time at a designated township field, court or park decorated with stimulating manmade obstacle courses and gravity-defying swing-sets, or to simply ‘jaunt about’ aimlessly in nature’s playground, meandering through flowered fields or wooded trails, the experiences are equally and simultaneously invigorating and calming.
The countless benefits of play are equally experienced by and impactful for all ages and abilities; There are infinite forms, varieties, and modalities, thus, endless possibilities to explore, and a multitude of memories to create and celebrate!
Perhaps ‘plan’ to pack some gear for spontaneity’s sake, and as you head to your local park, casually sport a backpack of semi-structured games (such as cards and dominos) add in some sidewalk chalk for a bit of DIY Hopscotch fun, paints & pads of any kind, and a journal for simple thoughts or just a simple game of tic-tac-toe. Just see where the day transports you, instead of you trying to tackle the day; the real gift may just unveil itself in the magic of the moment of unstructured play.
Climb a boulder, or a tree… Or a jungle gym.
Swing on the swing-set…Feel the wind through your hair and toes in the air.
Speed down the sliding board… No matter what your age!
Pack a wiffle ball and bat or a tennis racquet, a jump rope, a kite, a pogo stick or a kickball.
However the spirit moves you, Just play, and see what bubbles up.
Oh, and pack the bubbles too.
