“In rare moments of deep play, we can lay aside our sense of self, shed time’s continuum, ignore pain, and sit quietly in the absolute present, watching the world’s ordinary miracles. No mind or heart hobbles. No analyzing or explaining. No questing for logic. No promises. No goals. No relationships. No worry. One is completely open to whatever drama may unfold.” Diane Ackerman
Deep play often goes from being intuitive, occurring quite naturally, to becoming quite challenging for many of us, requiring conscious choice and effort as we grow a bit older and adopt responsibilities. Even when I spend time playing, my mind sometimes wanders back to my list of obligations and concerns. In fact, I have allowed myself little deep play lately. While, like I mentioned last week, I have enjoyed working playfully, I have also felt a little hurried by this season.
Today, when I spent some time at The Children’s Museum, witnessing the presence and joy there inspired me to carve larger time frames for my own play time. The child I was caring for spent the most time in a large-scale building area, without building anything, as she was exploring ways to move the blocks around. Not everyone would watch a child do this and feel inspired (some may even step in and try to build something for the child), but this act spoke to me.
I felt encouraged to commit, again, to activities that allow for transient hypofrontality, or the kind of “flow” state one experiences during deep playing, exercising, painting, or playing music. This is said to allow for a bit of a mental reset, stimulating new ideas and providing clarity. I plan to make getting to that state regularly in the coming month a goal and worrying less about what I am producing.
May we allow and encourage one another (not only the children in our lives, but all generations) to take time for deep play. Let us recognize the value of play for our health and relationships. Quiet our criticisms and affirm our worth. I pray that we all have the time, space, safety, and support to play this summer and always.
Please consider joining our private Facebook group: UUFM Children’s Faith Development (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1404655806251029/). This group is intended for families and congregants who are involved in Children’s Faith Development. My approval of new members’ access to the information there is what makes the group a safe space for sharing. I will be sharing our weekly stories as Facebook videos on my personal page publicly and sharing them in the group, as well as short prayers and meditations.
Link to the stories: Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwWkbABO6HpDlw5Po2TdQA?view_as=subscriber
Children’s and Youth programming is pausing for July, as we prepare for this coming year through decluttering, planning, and connecting personally with families. We look forward to reconvening for more fun on the afternoon of August 14th at UUFM! Please reach out to Macey at (507)-995-7929 or at cfddirector@uumankato.org to connect.