Why is play important? And what the heck is play as a grownup?
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash
Being playful can feel silly, sometimes unproductive, and slightly ridiculous - but that’s the point. Play involves “a constellation of characteristics” and is focused on a means rather than an end. Play is imaginative and self-directed, with loose rules that leave room to explore and be creative. As we age, play is no longer part of our vocabulary, let alone part of our daily routine. But research tells us it’s important for our brains - whether you’re 4, 40, or 84! So, how can we be inspired to be more playful?
Tomorrow is held’s first “Convos and Candy” event. “Convos and Candy” will be more casual - think less of an educational deep dive and more of a “here’s a word or two that inspires conversation; let’s go from there!” Some “Convos and Candy” events will be guided with specific activities, such as tomorrow’s “Let’s Play” theme. Others might just be a word or a phrase that inspires the event with card prompts. We are learning as we go! Attendees can choose their own adventure - feel free to participate in the activities or just watch from the sidelines and enjoy each other’s company.
We chatted below with tomorrow night’s co-host Jess Barzell on what play means to her!
Why is it important to incorporate play into your life as a grown-up?
JB: Play is doing something I *actually enjoy doing while asking my inner critic to step aside. I ask it to hold its opinion of how **good something is. Play is a choice to find + follow the fun in any activity. I seek play because I like feeling an array of excitement, deep contentment, safety, relaxation, and satisfaction every day. *I don’t actually enjoy what cultural norms say we should find fun (mani/pedi, Disney World, playing a board game). It takes inquiry to find out what we actually enjoy. I notice what emotions certain events evoke. **Good art isn’t really that fun to make, even if you are the best in the world. Even established artists make *bad art to loosen up their faculties and tap more into their creative brains.
Can you provide 3 examples of adding play to your everyday life?
JB: I make something with clay almost every day. I have been making small porcelain earrings at my home art studio and I just love the focus a small detail brings me into and the world outside disappears for a moment…ahhh.
When I cook, I play with adding my favorite Ingredients ((white pepper, toasted sesame oil, Meredith Dairy Feta (iykyk)) to recipes that don’t call for them and see how they taste!
When I walk my dog, I decide to find the most beautiful light or color that my eyes can find and then imagine I can feel that beauty in my body. It creates warmth and an awe-inspired feeling in my body, and then I get creative ideas that just come to cook something, organize a social event with friends, or make something.
What inspires you to make play a priority? Music - any specific songs? Art?
JB: Play can manifest into life changes. I truly believe that for myself because it’s happened so many times. The feelings inside that I mentioned above are my priority to play. I love Discovery Weekly, which changes every Monday on Spotify to explore new music while I make pottery.
What was your favorite play activity as a child?
JB: My Dad carried me and my brothers from couch to couch in ways I would make up. “Salt and Pepper Shaker” meant him shaking us up and down while carrying us. “Belt” was him wearing me around his waist. I loved this game so much because it was a collaboration with my Dad and brothers creating instant laughs and gratification. I think it was my foray into Improv Comedy.
Making Milleford Beads from Sculpey is the Italian equivalent of the Japanese Nerikomi Style I use to make Porcelain earrings. Play really can manifest into more.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS…
Tenaya and I share a few little things that inspire us to be more playful
Tenaya
My daughter, Hayden, loves playing “under the covers,” which means my husband, Matt, and I are in bed while she pretends to be a pilot flying us somewhere. That somewhere is usually Miami, which is followed by shrieking as we chase her around the apartment.
At home, we play a lot of make-believe. Last month, our living room was an ice cream parlor, and Hayden would ask guests which flavor and toppings they “preferred.” As a customer in her imaginary shop, you never got what you ordered!
On weekends, when we don’t have any plans, we often try to be spontaneous, which means meeting up at the last minute with friends or getting in the car and driving someplace new. Even trying a new brewery can feel like an adventure!
Mare
Morning dance parties - They don’t happen every morning, but when they do, it’s usually a happier start to the day! Dolly and T-Swift are current favorites in our household, so this one is a nice jam to start the day. Yesterday, my oldest daughter asked, “Who Let the Dogs Out?” so Tuesday kicked off unlike any other.
Seasonal playfulness: running through a sprinkler! With summer fast approaching, running through a sprinkler (preferably with friends) is sure to make you giggle, and your shoulders drop a bit—unless it’s too cold, so don’t do that!
Dress up! I loved dressing up as a child, and that translates into how I dress as a grownup. I try not to overthink things, have fun, and be comfortable! I’ve got my eye on this happy stripe set for summer!
