“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.” — Abraham Maslow
This might sound silly, but for much of my life, I suspected I was not naturally skillful at playing, at least not in large social settings. I recall experiencing some major feelings of fear and resistance to approaching kids that I did not yet know or participating in athletic competitions. When I would go to my paternal grandparents’ home, surrounded by my many energetic cousins, I would retreat to a corner, grasping my blanket like it was a shield. At school, I always had a core group of friends but was rather reserved. By the time I reached my young adult life, I realized how this feeling of insecurity was likely a product of my introverted tendencies, some social anxiety, and a narrow definition of play.
As I have grown, thankfully, my self-acceptance and tools for coping with anxiety have expanded. Not only do I find myself more comfortable with social interactions, I also experience joy, fulfillment, presence, and healing through play. Much of my preferred recreation is creative and collaborative, rather than rigid or competitive. I have learned that there is nothing wrong with that, despite society signaling to me that there was.
Stuart Brown, the founder of the National Institute for Play, too, shares a wider definition of play than I might have imagined as a kid. He states: “What all play has in common is that it offers a sense of engagement and pleasure, takes the player out of a sense of time and place, and the experience of doing it is more important than the outcome.” When I define play this way, it truly overlaps with what I would also consider my regular spiritual practice. They share some of the same benefits, such as strengthened relationships, lowered stress, and greater overall well-being.
I pray that we all, young and old, know wider definitions of play, as we all deserve to find liberation and joy in it. May we all know our inherent worth and prioritize the play that heals us. Let play strengthen our relationships, keep our hearts lighter, and make our lives a bit richer.
…I am here for you, just an email or a phone call away. While I am no longer holding virtual “office hours”, you can reach me on my personal phone at 507-995-7929 or by email at cfddirector@uumankato.org . If I do not answer, I encourage you to send a text or leave a voicemail. Currently, I am available for daytime meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I also do have availability most other weekday evenings. I will continue to do my best to serve as a resource to our community, through connecting you to one another and of course, directly. Being a light in the lives of others is as important as ever, and I hope you will stay connected.
Macey Forsyth
Please consider joining our private Facebook group: UUFM Children’s Faith Development (https://www.facebook.com/
Link to the stories: Our virtual Stories for All Ages are now available on the UUFM YouTube Channel. At least one new story will be available by Sunday, each week.
https://www.youtube.com/
Youth Group: We will be meeting in-person, outside of the UUFM on Saturday, June 12th from 1-3pm for games, tie-dye, and connection! We will also be holding our regular Sunday Zoom meeting, on June 20th from 11:30am-12:30pm.
Virtual Children’s Chapel: We will be holding Children’s Chapel via Zoom, on June 13th from 11:30am-12:30pm. We will also be meeting in-person, outside of the UUFM on Saturday, June 19th from 1-3pm for games, tie-dye, and connection. As always, details can be found on our private Facebook group and will be sent via email!
Image: Sam Griffiths – griffics.com)