An ode to Play!

I was recently challenged to explore what Play means to me.  Having used it to describe someone’s work, they asked that I call it something different, that play sounded like a putdown to them, that it diminished what they were doing.  Staying grounded, I said, “Of course, that makes sense that that word might feel bad for you.”  Later, with more space and settling between us, I asked if I could share my experience with the word Play…

What he had heard when I called his work “play,” was the little-p play that is about games, silliness, fun, a kind of carelessness that is important but not very substantial.  What I am excited about, and the way I see his work, is Big-P Play.  And therein lies the confusion!

Little-p play is really important, it allows us relief from tension, can be a healthy distraction, and can align us with our light-heart and happiness.  It is also limited in its power, simply because it is about keeping it simple and light, keeping intention soft and subtle (or absent), and riding whatever wave of silliness comes up.  Little-p play is like a quick snack on the-go, important calories taken in with less presence.  

Big-P play takes so much of little-p play and lights it up with awareness, intention, and authentic magic.  When we Play intentionally, we are deliberately calling forward our inner child, our light-heart, our natural need for release and fun.  Play, deliberately experienced and savored, is sacred in its ability to shake out of the tensions and confusion of being human.  How wonderful!  It’s like savoring every morsel of the same snack, really being with all the tastes, textures, and impact of the experience.

I often say, “Play is my favorite four-letter word,” in reference to all the powerful four-letter curse words we use to make a point.  If you know me, you know I’m a big fan of those, too… and yet, Play is still at the top of the list.  When I really let myself and others Play, it can hold all of the emotions and still feel light, still have more than enough space.  When I really let myself and others Play, we drop the old rules and expectations and get busy with what is present.  What magic! Not every experience is Playful, and when it is… damn, we are left feeling alive, energized, maybe even in love.

I’m curious, what does Play mean to you?  How do you love to Play?  Where in your life do you experience little-p play and where might more of it really serve you?

Play can be small and simple; a friend and I share memes through text to interrupt each other's workday.  It can be organized; charades with friends after dinner. It can be solo; dancing with the door closed to your Fall 2021 Jam.  

To paraphrase Kevin Behan, “(Play) does work.”  That is, it is effective and important. 

When you consider your climbing, how would more Play impact your experience? Your red-point? Your partnerships in climbing? We’ve talked here before about climbing being a spiritual practice, and this is one element of how climbing can penetrate our humanity beyond a hobby or sport.