Play: a Movement meditation and more
In light of the current social climate of physical distancing, self-quarantine, and the major shifts in daily life, we may find ourselves worried, afraid, and insecure. This is all very normal and expected, as we are facing a major world crisis that is deeply impacting our way of life as we know it. We are navigating uncharted territory and learning new ways to be. We are seeking solutions to the current problems, while also attempting to stay sane. This is quite a load to ask of our systems, and sometimes they need a break.
Enter Play.
Just before the epidemic took its foothold in the U.S, I was blessed to co-lead a retreat in Peebles, OH, with my fabulous colleague, Jessica Starr, and 11 extraordinary women. We ensconced ourselves in spiritual practice, ritual, community, and connection, centered around the themes of Play and Pleasure as Portals to the Divine Feminine. As part of this experience, we spent quite a bit of time in play. In preparation for this, I dove deep into play research, rediscovering and illuminating something with which my body already had a deep and abiding love and connection.
My research led me to Stuart Brown’s book, entitled Play, which I highly recommend. In this work, Brown reminds us of the importance of play, not only as a way to enjoy life, but as a way to navigate life. He reminds us how we are neurobiologically wired to play. It is through play that we discover our world and make sense of it. It is how we solve problems and how we bring about innovation. We need all of this right now!
Brown (2009) says that “respecting our biologically programmed need for play can transform work” as it is the “greatest tool for creating new neural networks and for reconciling cognitive difficulties” (p.129). This is surely a time where we are doing more than our fair share of reconciling. So, I encourage you to invite play to the table, as I think there is a wealth of untapped potential there.
I decided to help you along by sharing with you a guided Play meditation that incorporates movement. It is about 10 minutes in length. I hope you find it useful.
I can’t help it! I have to cite my source here like a good PhD student:
Brown, S. (2009). Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. New York, NY: Penguin Group.