Play

I heard a beautiful quote recently,

The words taking root just like art,

That “what one loves in childhood

Will forever stay in the heart.”

Our pre-occupation…and occupation,

before adult armour got in the way

Was a path to creativity, connection

The joy that we call…play.

A space that’s not outcomed or measured

By how we perform or achieve,

Where curiosity can grow and is safe to evolve

A place where ideas are conceived

The reminder we’re fundamentally ‘ourselves,’

Like rediscovering a long-standing friend

The rules aren’t oppressive or pre-programmed

With no certain beginning or end.

Who we are when we’re not trying to prove,

Or consume to fill in a void

Takes the focus off our fruits on to deepening our roots

In the soil of things we’ve enjoyed.

Who would you most like to call for?

When’s your next playdate planned?

What passions and desires transport you

To your your dreams in a faraway land?

What did you love in childhood?

What brings comfort and fun today?

Within adulting and heavy responsibility,

There lies such a deep need for play.

*Quote by Mary Jo Putney

Artwork by contemporary Irish artist & illustrator Tara O’Brien: www.taraobrien.co/

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