Play is not just for kids. Even as adults we need regular doses of play to maintain our soul’s vitality. It’s serious business and we must engage in the work of play in order for our souls to thrive.
Most of us have forgotten how to play. And even when we acknowledge the benefits, we tend to treat it casually – a luxury we might get to if we can find the time. But more often than not, we never find the time and we swing between intense productive work and merely numbing out in some meaningless pursuit.
On the other hand, play is a purposeful activity – a type of ritual that seeks to spark joy and allows us to have fun with no scorecard. Play is what we get to do, not what we have to do. But it’s still something we need to do.
Our daily grind eventually wears us down and we need more than just a break – we need soul restoration. Play is like a breath of fresh air that allows our souls to breathe again.
What do you do just for pleasure?
Perhaps it’s something more social like a pickup game at the local park. But it might also be a personal hobby, a day trip, or learning something new simply because it’s fascinating.
In the end, whatever the activity, play brings us joy and we walk away with more life. But like many good things, we must engage in the practice of play for it to fully enrich our lives. While the point is fun, play still requires work. And our own track history reminds us that it doesn’t just happen. We must intentionally pursue it.
Play more. The vitality of your soul depends on it.
Photo by Leo Foureaux on Unsplash
