I have been thinking about play a lot lately. Mostly because when I watch my boys play, I find myself an envious observer.....wishing I could feel comfortable with jumping into the boundless joy filled mayhem.....but something is holding me back. It's FEAR. I am afraid if I lose control of my responsibility even for a moment someone will get hurt.
I have decided this is ridiculous and I am done with the drama I am creating and anticipating in my mind. I came to this conclusion only after I wrote a list of the things I knew about play from my experience and observation, and came to a truth that revealed the net in which I was caught.
Here's what I know to be true about play......
PLAY allows us to let go of our self so completely we have the freedom to be any thing, do any thing, and go any where.
Acceptance is easier at play because seeking joy (not fear) is the catalyst for play.
Play allows you to release boundless energy whose only parameter is a desire to feel good and be happy.
Play is best when it is done in the presence of others because together we can go to unexpected places.
Play allows you to try out your dreams, free of judgment.
The tools of play are laughter, movement and imagination.
In essence, the truth I discovered is that PLAY happens in the absence of judgment, fear, boundaries, control and isolation. PLAY is accepting, joy filled, limitless, uncontrollable, and fulfilled in community with others. PLAY, unlike any other activity, allows us to experience the potential of our true self in a welcoming spirit of acceptance.
These are the words that have encouraged me today to put down my shield and leap into the mayhem. I am acceptable, and play is the vehicle to take me to that truth. Find someone to play with today!