When was the last time you played? It was something that was second nature to do as a child but then slowly that all changed. At some point, but you can’t quite pinpoint when, play became something you looked back on rather than something you looked forward to. Am I right?
As a child we spent much of our time very much in our bodies. It was all about experiencing what was around us using all of our senses. Even what seemed the most mundane of items, a cardboard box for example, could magically be transformed into a spaceship, a racing car, a den or a play house with just a dash of our own imagination. But then we grew up – not only in a physical sense but also growing up out of our bodies and into our heads. Thinking took over from feeling. Doing took over from being.
This photo is one of my favourites of me. It was taken on one of the happiest days I think I’ve ever had. Myself and my very good friend, Jenni, were in Montezuma, Costa Rica. Alongside the hostel we were staying in was a private, secluded beach. We just played carefree in the waves as they came crashing in. It was an afternoon of fun, laughter, happiness and play. It was like being a child again. Looking at this photo now makes me smile as I remember that day.
It’s one of the many things I love about my work as a wellbeing through nature connection practitioner. I get to witness people as they learn to play once more. I can offer them that opportunity to once again be carefree and feel. To enjoy the moment. To live in the moment. Even if just for a couple of hours.
I was once asked if I preferred offering sessions for children/family groups or just for adults. The answer is easy – it’s for adults. With adults I see a clear shift – from walking into a session very much in their heads, to moving down into their bodies and relaxing into the freedom that play offers them. To become carefree. To see the world around them with a sense of wonder that had been forgotten.
Invitation: Allow yourself permission to play today. Even if just for 10 minutes.
If you feel inclined to take this invitation – feel free to share below what you’re noticing.
The Eco Monkey 