The power of play

I’ve been keeping an eye out for a Robin. Yesterday, I saw two and it brings me great comfort knowing that they are back. There is something about the cyclical nature of the seasons that brings me a sense of being grounded.  

Winter is letting go of its grip and spring is definitely here. Even with snow on the ground, the great thaw is happening. We’re in the space between seasons and like life, the space between things is always a curious spot to sit. This space is often where growth happens, between the unknown and the absolute.

This month, I invite you to tap into your inner child. What did your childhood self enjoy doing in the spring? Jumping in puddles, cracking the ice, riding bikes, colouring spring pictures?  Swinging on swings? Perhaps play wasn’t available as much as needed, or maybe you’re finding life quite serious at the moment; if that was/is the case, I invite you to play even more.

Play is sacred because it is a natural expression of being alive, a bridge between our inner and outer worlds. From a developmental and therapeutic perspective, play helps us integrate experiences, build problem solving skills, release stored emotions, and reconnect with lost parts of ourselves. Play has a way of bringing us to the present moment, at it’s core, it is the practice of mindfulness, free from judgement or over-analysis. It aligns us with joy, spontaneity and our inner creativity.

When we are experiencing challenges, especially difficult emotions or remembering challenging events from the past, did you know that inviting in positive play actually helps process the discomfort? Yup!

When Einstein was stuck with a problem, you know what he did? You guessed it. He would do an activity that allowed his mind to wonder and make unexpected connections and groundbreaking insights.

Reflective Questions

What did play look like for me as a child? What activities made me feel the most alive?

How do I currently engage in play, if at all? What feels playful to me now?

What beliefs do I hold about play? Do I see it as valuable, frivolous, or something else?

Are there parts of me (inner child, protector parts, etc.) that resist play? If so, why?

Have I ever used play to process or release difficult emotions? What was that like?

What gets in the way of me embracing play more often?

Do I feel guilt or discomfort when I take time for play? Where might that come from?

Are there cultural, societal, or family messages I’ve internalized about play?

If I could play freely without judgment, what would I do?

How can I infuse play into my daily routine, even in small ways?

So, go play my friends! Love you, mean it.

Rhea & The Entire Sacred Moon Collective Team.