Play-a!



Sand toys on the beach in Bucerias, Mexico. Dec. 25, 2021. 

Playa is Spanish for beach. Curious that it has our word 'play' in it, as we see many Mexican families gather to frolic on the sand and in the waves. I love to watch children and animals play; they can be the greatest teachers. Babies find endless joy in silly peekaboo. Play, for mammals, is essential to survival by learning bodily movement and interacting with the environment. It seems rooted in exploration and sparks creativity -- even breakthrough thinking. Play is easily neglected as we get older. Without play our brains and overall health are affected, and stressed.

Play is anything we do simply for the joy of doing it, rather than as a means to an end -- whether listening to music, dancing or tickling your cat, it keeps us in the moment. I hesitated to post about "play" during these serious times as it may seem a trivial topic. However, play might be just the antidote for all the stress-filled news. Children can feel things are out of control, too. A game of any sort helps us connect with others, even engages us in conversation and laughter. Remember what you loved to do for fun as a kid -- toboggan, build lego, a sand castle or a snow fort (if it's not too freaking cold out). The reward of your life should be play and good health, not winning or money. Agreed? ... Wishing you Happiness in the New Year and a spirit nourished and energized by seeking out some play-a!

What we play is life. ~ Louis Armstrong


Happy New Year's birthday to our wonderful Julian... I know you still enjoy many types of games, lego, playing with your dogs and gazing at the planets through your telescope! xo







Comments

  1. AileenJanuary 2, 2022 at 6:24 PM

    This topic is perfect for these times! Thanks for a reminder of the value of play in our lives and all the best in the new year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AileenJanuary 2, 2022 at 6:24 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnnetteJanuary 5, 2022 at 6:49 AM

    Love the sun and the beaches and all the play that goes along :) Nice reminder to keep play in our lives.
    I wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with Love, Peace, Joy and Good Health! :)

    ReplyDelete

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