Play is something I am beginning to rediscover. There are certain kinds of play that I have always done, like tree climbing, but I have often made sure, as an adult that I don’t have an ‘audience’. I particularly liked ‘Play is an act of rebellion because it is part of the work of de-conditioning the thoughts of our family, society, and the external world by bringing us closer to our true self; our soul.’ Last weekend, as a result of some personal work I’ve been doing, I climbed a tree with a bunch of people around and just embraced the consequences :-)
Look at you embracing your inner rebel and climbing with others around! This made me smile so big, thank you for sharing, Benjamin. Here's to rediscovering play 👏 are there any other types of play you'd like to rediscover or try for the first time?
Dancing is another thing that I would like to do more of without worrying about what other people think. I am also trying to get back into art, and I need to think of it as play and not something that I have to produce ‘finished’ piece for.
Dance is a hard one for me too. I've attended a couple ecstatic dance events which was so challenging, but it really helped (but I do still have that voice in my head that worries about what others think outside of that setting). I'd love to hear about your experience if you choose to do one of those things!
This morning, while getting ready to do some sketches, I put on a new song that had been playing in my head from work the day before. I found my body begin to move and ended up turning off the lights in the pre-dawn basement, putting the song on repeat, and dancing my way to a place that felt ready for a visit. As I let the song soak in I realised it is, fittingly, full of play: "Swimming' by Breathe Owl Breathe.
I have a HARD time connecting to play without drinking - and, as you know:), I'm nearing four years sober. Similar to you, I think for me this has a lot to do with not feeling safe and also, perhaps, feeling as though I'm the adult in the room who needs to take care and "keep watch." Thank you so much for writing about this, Kaitlyn. ❤️
What a great connection to have made, Dana! I never thought about the feeling of needing to take care and "keep watch"—I can relate to that feeling (as well as the safety piece) now that you say it, and it's definitely something I've felt since I was a child. Thank you for sharing your insight!
Hi! You're an MG too, right? We're literally here to play. We're here to do things other people think is impossible and do those things with so much joy, fun and play. We're the super sparkly shapes that don't fit in any boxes.
It's so true! I've lived such a full life and always at the beat of my own drum; coming from small town Canada and leaving as soon as I could to explore the world, people thought I was nutso but I didn't care 🤪! Things always come together more smoothly when I lean into play. I feel like at this point I'm hitting a deeper level that will open up new doors. I'm curious if you went through a period of deconditioning around play in your own life as an MG?
Oh such a good question. I didn’t realize this until now, but yeah. Triathlon is a big source of play for me and when I’m playing in training and racing, I do well. But when I get all serious and game-face-y, it doesn’t go so well. Thank you so much for that clarity!
Play is something I am beginning to rediscover. There are certain kinds of play that I have always done, like tree climbing, but I have often made sure, as an adult that I don’t have an ‘audience’. I particularly liked ‘Play is an act of rebellion because it is part of the work of de-conditioning the thoughts of our family, society, and the external world by bringing us closer to our true self; our soul.’ Last weekend, as a result of some personal work I’ve been doing, I climbed a tree with a bunch of people around and just embraced the consequences :-)
Look at you embracing your inner rebel and climbing with others around! This made me smile so big, thank you for sharing, Benjamin. Here's to rediscovering play 👏 are there any other types of play you'd like to rediscover or try for the first time?
Dancing is another thing that I would like to do more of without worrying about what other people think. I am also trying to get back into art, and I need to think of it as play and not something that I have to produce ‘finished’ piece for.
Dance is a hard one for me too. I've attended a couple ecstatic dance events which was so challenging, but it really helped (but I do still have that voice in my head that worries about what others think outside of that setting). I'd love to hear about your experience if you choose to do one of those things!
This morning, while getting ready to do some sketches, I put on a new song that had been playing in my head from work the day before. I found my body begin to move and ended up turning off the lights in the pre-dawn basement, putting the song on repeat, and dancing my way to a place that felt ready for a visit. As I let the song soak in I realised it is, fittingly, full of play: "Swimming' by Breathe Owl Breathe.
Ahhh!!! I love this, Benjamin. Thank you for sharing this, it's inspiring. I'll have to check out that song. I don't believe I've heard it.
I have a HARD time connecting to play without drinking - and, as you know:), I'm nearing four years sober. Similar to you, I think for me this has a lot to do with not feeling safe and also, perhaps, feeling as though I'm the adult in the room who needs to take care and "keep watch." Thank you so much for writing about this, Kaitlyn. ❤️
What a great connection to have made, Dana! I never thought about the feeling of needing to take care and "keep watch"—I can relate to that feeling (as well as the safety piece) now that you say it, and it's definitely something I've felt since I was a child. Thank you for sharing your insight!
Hi! You're an MG too, right? We're literally here to play. We're here to do things other people think is impossible and do those things with so much joy, fun and play. We're the super sparkly shapes that don't fit in any boxes.
It's so true! I've lived such a full life and always at the beat of my own drum; coming from small town Canada and leaving as soon as I could to explore the world, people thought I was nutso but I didn't care 🤪! Things always come together more smoothly when I lean into play. I feel like at this point I'm hitting a deeper level that will open up new doors. I'm curious if you went through a period of deconditioning around play in your own life as an MG?
Oh such a good question. I didn’t realize this until now, but yeah. Triathlon is a big source of play for me and when I’m playing in training and racing, I do well. But when I get all serious and game-face-y, it doesn’t go so well. Thank you so much for that clarity!
Ohh I love this connection! Thank you for sharing, Kelsey!
I really love this! Finding play is such beautiful work but so vulnerable.
Thank you for reading, Samantha! I appreciate you and your words.