The Power of Play
.jpg)
I recently led a women’s retreat that focused on Living4ward. It was refreshing to hear laughter and giggles while the participants were blowing bubbles. Some their comments were: “I had forgotten how to play;” “This is forcing me to play again;” “I can’t remember the last time I played!” and “This is fun!”
Play is defined “as recreational activity; especially: the spontaneous activity of children.” (Merriam Webster online dictionary) The activity of blowing bubbles resulted in fun, relaxation and stress relief! It cleared the brain of chaos and helped each person enjoy the moment. Play is also a great way to trigger endorphins which are “a set of hormones that affect receptors in the brain, often reducing the sensation of pain or stress.” (Urban Dictionary)
After the retreat, participants sent pictures of bottles of bubbles they had put on their desk at work for bubble breaks. One woman emailed this story: “I had a ball blowing bubbles in my driveway when the neighborhood middle schoolers got off the bus! They had to try it, too! I went across the street and down two houses to blow bubbles for a teeny, tiny chihuahua in its front yard! She barked and trembled and I got to know her Romanian owner. We talked a good bit, and now she says she feels she has made a new friend who will tolerate her struggle with our language. We had to act out several words, and had some good laughs!” All this from blowing bubbles! That’s the power of play.
If play is so powerful and triggers endorphins, what prevents adults from playing? If your default answer is no time, you are too busy. Interested in living4ward? Take a bubble break and experience the power of play!
Leave a comment: