The Magic of Play
Recently, I spent a week camping on a river with a 5-year-old, and it was a revelation. The world was their oyster. They were super human, able to do everything for themselves, proudly proclaiming how smart and strong they were and happily showing off their muscles. They were creative, daring, and eager to push their limits. Observing their unbounded confidence and adventurous spirit reminded me of something profound.
As a child, play was free and uninhibited, untouched by the weight of societal expectations. The carefree joy of play knew no bounds until the pressures of conforming began to impose restrictions. This shift marks the transition from childhood abandoned play to a young adult's more self-conscious play, eventually leading to the near elimination of play in adulthood.
I couldn't help but wonder where that exuberance and magic of play goes. How does the world we've built rob us of the willingness to try, explore, adventure, and wonder? Does the answer lie in the gradual imposition of societal expectations—the need to look a certain way, act a certain way, and follow a prescribed path to success. These pressures transform the playful abandon of childhood into the cautious, restricted play of adolescence and, finally, into the serious, play-deprived existence of adulthood.
Reflecting on our travels across the country, I noted how it has opened the door to rediscovering play. Despite the fear of looking foolish, stepping through that door reveals the staggering power and magic of play. Hiking through a dense forest, photographing a serene lake with artful consideration, or simply swinging at a playground can make one feel quintessentially alive. These activities bring back the openness and wonder of childhood, where every moment is filled with endless possibilities.
It's fascinating how play rejuvenates the spirit like a refreshing drink on a hot day. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, carving out time for play seems essential for well-being. It seems that through play, we can more easily be and truly experience the present. The power of play is evident when stepping back into a mode of no play and all seriousness. The power of play's impact on well-being and effervescence becomes unmistakable.
I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, do you make time and room for play in your adulting? If so, what is the value add for you?
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