Play

What’s the difference between actual real play, the play kids do and what adults do? Rules- or the strict adherence to rules. Grown ups are taught to consider that everything we do has a rule or rules- sometimes we ask what they are, sometimes they are posted, sometimes we are told what they are as we fumble along- but we are always aware there is a rule of some sort governing what we are doing. Sometimes we are slapped in a face with said rules- and it doesn’t feel good. Especially when we were thoughtful enough to ask what the rules were and there is now a new one stopping us in our tracks. That really doesn’t feel good.

The real down home honest to goodness difference with play is that it is freedom to just be and express yourself without adherence to preconceived rules. If you need them, you make them up as you go. You create new boundaries as needed, determine with your fellow playmates (if your playing with others) what would be helpful to the play cause- you make “house” rules- but they are self governed and that’s important.

Play is expressive and just as important as any creative expression- it helps you think better, create more and feel connected. What kind of play do you do?