The Playful Pathway 

Some of you may be wondering what goes on in these Way of Play online thingies. I know I did. I signed up for the Playful Pathway in lieu of a real life gathering in a spirit of curiosity and yes, I admit it, slight scepticism. Not scepticism about The Way of Play mission and ethos. Nor about Benjii who was leading us down this playful pathway, for I know him to be a wonderful human being having played with him in real life. I just had my doubts about whether it would be possible to capture the joy online. 

A dozen strangers appeared in small boxes on my screen. There was someone who looked like an older and scraggier version of myself. She turned out to be me. We began each gathering with a little warm up dance. I jiggled about and wondered about the wisdom of having just lit the log burner. Then some breathing and meditation. Here I was on familiar ground. Or in a familiar chair. Members of the group led short activities of their choice ranging from doodling, to eyebrow raising, to mindfulness practice. Still working on the eyebrow manipulation. 

Silly games ensued as well as a deeper understanding of our attitudes to play. Before the half-time break Benjii suggested a few things to reflect upon, ready to share afterwards. I don’t know what other people did during the break, aside from reflect. I had small cucumber sandwiches and slices of orange with my reflections because, although not experienced in half-time breaks, I believe I understood the cultural references. 

Our thoughts, shared in smaller groups, were honest and heartfelt.  Then sharing short reflections on our reflections as the larger group. Again, honest, heartfelt and brave. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. 

We finished each session with group singing which is always good online as everyone is completely out of sync with each other. Yet in ourselves we became in sync with each other. Contrary to my expectations we did get to know each other. The joy and playfulness was there. The whole course was a delight and I signed up for the next one.

Some of us gathered in real life at a Soul Revolution event just as the course finished. I was vastly reassured that my new friends really did have a physical form.