Play

In the last two weeks, Melbourne's playgrounds have sprung to life again, much to the delight of the city's children, and the relief of their parents. There’s something about playgrounds that kids never find old –a hundred different games that can be imagined on any given day.  And there’s something about watching kids play that brings a smile to the soul, regardless of your parental status.

But what is it about play that gets old? As we age, we replace playgrounds with PlayStation. We slide from swings and seesaws to solitaire and swiping.  I mean, not that being sedentary and glued to technology is all bad … but it certainly doesn’t produce delight in onlookers (nor participants, it would appear) like playgrounds do.

Perhaps it’s us that gets old, not play itself. Caught up in the (legit) worries and necessities of adult life, have we forgotten how to play? How did we let the bark beneath our feet, the rope in our hands and the grazes on our knees become something so foreign; feared, even? 

This week’s challenge is: Turn off the technology, take a break from the chores and do one thing (just one!) that brings you deep delight. It might not be swinging on the swings, (but it might be!). Maybe you need to be reminded of how fun – or at this stage, therapeutic – seesaws and sandpits can be. Maybe you need to be reminded how satisfying a cat nap or a good book really is. Just like made-up games around a fort, there are a hundred different ways to 'play'. The only limitation is ourselves. Set aside pride, find your inner child and tell me if it doesnt bring a smile to your soul. It might even inspire others. 

Go on, play is waiting.