The Art of Play

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing.”
- George Bernard Shaw

For many women navigating the shifting waters of midlife, our body seems to follow its own mysterious rhythm. Waves of heat arrive uninvited, sleep might slip away and emotions can shift like the British summer weather. During this season—commonly called menopause, but perhaps better named metamorphosis—so much can feel uncertain. Our energy fluctuates and the once-familiar senses of lightness, play, laughter, silliness, spontaneity … where did they go?

This is precisely the time when we need them most, while our hormones dance their complex choreography!

Play is essential for children’s development. In fact, playtime is how they build imagination, resilience, and emotional intelligence. As adults (shaped by years of responsibility) we often forget that play is not just for kids.

In the workplace, productivity often takes centre stage, yet many professionals now incorporate playful exercises into workshops to spark creativity, build trust and create connection. As a facilitator, I have seen ‘play’ shift the energy in a room, giving people permission to see a problem differently and strengthening relationships.

What does play mean to you?

When was the last time you played?

What activity was it and with whom?

In today’s world, play is often solitary, with screens offering countless immersive activities, with reset, replay and no stopping cue. But the truly nourishing and expansive part of play is when it involves others. Have we forgotten the joy of cultivating The Art of Play?

We can play on words, roleplay, play safe, play an instrument, a trick, a card game, or just be playful. Play can be loud or quiet, indoors or outside, structured or spontaneous.

And there’s something especially “play-full” about the summer. Maybe it’s the holiday spirit, the longer days, or the way golden summer light softens everything.

• • • • •

This summer, I invite you to invite play back into your life!

Not play for escapism, but to reconnect to something more subtle, a whisper, something from deep within, waiting to be remembered and ‘tickled’.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

o   Dust off Monopoly, Scrabble, or cards

o   Collect pebbles, rocks or sticks

o   Solve a puzzle, organise a quiz

o   Make up your own lyrics to a favourite tune

o   Organize a skills swap - teach each other knitting, crochet, origami

How could you welcome more play into your life?

• • • • •

Start small. Experiment. Play it by ear.

Image Credit: Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels