Holding hands in a circle. Doing the hokey cokey. On the grass. In the rain. Silly improv games and much laughter followed. The barn dwellers looked out through the huge floor to ceiling windows at what was very obviously fun. Fun for the sake of fun. Who knew there might be such a thing? For grown ups?
Everyone came outside and for the next hour we laughed, we played, our inner children ran free, we play fought, we connected and we were just plain joyful. Bellies aching with laughter, we trooped back into the barn, and though our clothes were slightly muddy and somewhat soggy, our hearts felt lighter, carefree.
In the barn I was just the old woman with the eccentric trousers, unruly hair and enthusiastic bladder. I sat quietly and behaved myself. On the field of play I was the woman who danced and sang and shouted and played with joy. Who wasn’t afraid or embarrassed. I know this is me. Generally it’s a well-kept secret between me and my grandson. The Way of Play allows us all to play like children, no grandchildren needed!
When we played we shared ourselves, we learned something about each other. We smiled together, used our imaginations together, shed inhibitions and grew together. We sat in the barn as strangers, yet already knew each other as fast friends.
It was fun and all rather glorious, and I believe we all felt that play is good for the soul. That we must play again soon. Though some may have wondered what the meaning of all this play was compared to these deep and spiritual journeys? I would say that playfulness and curiosity are the essence of a joyful spirit and soul. Place a large grin on your face and just see how it lights you up inside. To feel energised and connected; physically connected through touch and contact; emotionally connected through laughter and joy — that is play medicine!
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