The Value of Playfulness

The Value of Playfulness

This is a book of knitting patterns and I don't knit. So why am I so thrilled by it? Well, I intend to be inspired to create some crocheted fun things like a deer hat.

Are you thinking that a whimsical hat with deer antlers is an odd thing for an adult to wear? After all, "silly" things are for kids. And that is something I encourage you to explore. I just presented a class yesterday, for a group of people who were willing to explore their creativity. They explored art chalk, colored pencils, oil pastels and paint - and without evaluation, critique or worries about "wasting time." When you spend time creating, your blood pressure drops, your cortisol levels drop, your serotonin levels rise. In non-technical terms, you feel relaxed and happy. Your stress dissolves. You come away from your creative break with a mind that is open to new ideas, new concepts, new formulations. You can do your job better. You parent better. You are better. Does it still seem like foolishness? Or childish? Adults need play even more than adults do. It releases our souls and refreshes out spirit! Get some art supplies and some inexpensive paper and just swirl the colors around. Start with a meditation to clear your mind of self-criticism and then - don't think. Don't plan. Just grab the color that grabs you. Grab a cheap brush. Dip one in the other - and move your hand where your spirit moves you.