Let your Spirit PLAY!

There is no more joyous moment than the ecstasy of play. Pure, honest, free play. And, if that’s not a spiritual experience, I’m not sure what is.

We humans play because it’s the most efficient and effective means through which to learn. Yep, that’s the initial raison d’etre of play.

That, and the more we play, good old-fashioned play, it frees our soul – our spirit and brings us closer to the great “creator.”

When we are in pure play, pure free flow (yes, the “flow” of the renowned Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi), we are one with the universe. Here, we are in the truly sought-after “awe” state of being. This is where, suspended above ourselves, time seems to slow, we are fully present and we truly experience the deep spirit, in and of play.

In The Marginalian, Maria Popova eloquently quotes Diane Ackerman from the Evolutionary and Existential Purpose of Deep Play and considers what deep play is and why it appeals to us so profoundly:

We long for its heights, which some people often visit and others must learn to find, but everyone experiences as replenishing. Opportunities for deep play abound. In its thrall, we become ideal versions of ourselves… [Its] many moods and varieties help to define who we are and all we wish to be.
Diane Ackerman

A tangible connection is her observation that “in Anglo-Saxon, play was plega, which meant singing or dancing gestures, clapping, quick movements.”

When clapping our hands watch them as they come together in the traditional position emblematic of prayer. Reminding us of the connection between play, clapping and prayer = spirit.

Credit: Giphy.com

As we tumble into and through the holiday season, may we all find a space and place to reward ourselves (and our loved ones) with an opportunity for deep play. Take time to acknowledge how play can nourish our souls, our spirits, and those with whom we gather together.

May peace, love, joy, kindness, and deep play be yours this year and throughout the new year.