Play

Today I’m thinking about play.  Encouraged by my awesome mentor-coach to “get off my list” and do what I want more often, I’ve been writing haiku.  Whenever I sit down at my computer, before I start working, I open my haiku document, and I just write.  Haiku is awesome for this – it is playful and super short (3 lines with 5-7-5 syllables).  I often find myself giggling at the words, the silliness of it, and I feel lighter.  Sometimes it’s a way to process heavier things, and I’ve expanded them to the Tanka (adding another two lines) when it felt right. 

What’s great about this project is that it is no pressure!  They don’t have to be good.  This isn’t a form I’ve ever worked in before, and I don’t have any expectations of my writing or any purpose behind it.  It is just writing poetry for the sake of writing.  

It’s so wonderful to tap back into something so core to who I am in a fun way.  I am totally present and engaged in writing, if even for just a few minutes.  I can feel my body is lighter after, I’m more creative, and the energy I bring forward is awesome. 

What is play?  I talked with a client about this recently who is a big musician and athlete in his spare time.  We talked about if these “hobbies” are play or more work.  According to the National Institute for Play, “If the person doing it is engaged and feeling content with the challenge, then it is play; if the person is feeling bored, irritated, or burdened by the task then it is not play.”  For more information on the science of play, check out their website. 

Research shows that play is great for kids, and important for development.  It is also important for adults, and it impacts our mood and our relationships.  I am reading more and more about the importance of play these days.  You can find more information in a couple of books I’ve read recently. Greg McKeown includes a chapter on play in his book, Essentialism:  The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.  Natalie Franke talks about it in Gutsy, Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage. I know it helps, and yet I’m a work in progress. I still find it hard to let go of all I have to do sometimes and engage in having fun. Every little bit helps!

To me, play comes down to the energy I’m bringing forward.  If it’s light and fun – and I’m fully present -- then it is probably play.  Kitchen dancing to ABBA with my kids, skiing on a beautiful day, belly laughing with friends, or playing cribbage (ideally near the water!) with family all create this for me.  When I feel like this, I am much more resilient and able to tackle what comes my way.  I’m a better parent, partner, sister, friend, coach, consultant, and writer, and I take myself and my challenges much less seriously.  What ways are you finding play in your life? 

I’ll leave you with a silly haiku about haiku!

Haiku

Are so fun to write--

Who knew?  They burst open light --

And bubbles of joy.