Categories: uncategorized
Date: 14 September 2006 17:54:19
Firstly, thanks to all of you who have taken the time to read and comment so far on this 'prescription'. To those who already indulge their inner kid, keep up the good work. To those thinking about letting him/her out to play, open the door! ;)
Ooh, an unintentional segue into today's topic - how clever is that?!? Clearly there is a link between nos (1) and (2), but I think the difference is that today is specifically about play.
Many of the things we enjoy as kids may have been pretty sedentary; reading, watching TV, playing on the 'puter etc. The thing about play is that it tends to be active, could fall into the category of 'Fun' (always with a capital F) and gets the in-dolphins leaping about the bloodstream. Laughter should ideally play a great part.
So, if you are an animal lover, run around with a pup or drag some string for a kitten or three (hehehe!). An alternative if kids are a cool part of your life, find them and treat them to a trip to the park. We all know that little ones need company on the slide/swings/roundabout! This form of play involves using the genuninely young as an excuse for you to act that way. Obviously, there is no embargo on jumping in puddles and skipping on your own, it is just that some people may be embarrassed by this. (Can't think why?!?)
The natural progression from the swings and slides of a kiddies playground for us so-called adults is the theme park. This can certainly get the adrenaline pumping and, for some people, it is considered to be Fun. Of course, if this idea fills you with fear, then it is not a form of play I would recommend. White water rafting and abseiling could also be a good idea for the more adventurous, as could driving fast cars and/or bikes for the petrol heads among you (watch the speed limit, tho, folks!)
Playing can also involve making time for a sport you enjoy. Please note, this is not the purgatorial 'I must go to the gym to get fit/lose weight' approach to things. It is more akin to my enjoyment of horse-riding. The primary reason I do this is beacuse it is Fun, any fringe-benefits such as exercise, fresh air and friendship are welcome bonuses. So, take up a new sport you think you'd enjoy or dust off your badminton raquet (or sports equipment of choice) and get back on the court (or other relevant playing surface).
Dance is a form of exercise, too, that can fall into the category of Play. Whether it be a bopping in front of your bedroom mirror with air guitar/hairbrush mike (Moi? Never!), salsa class or clubbing with your mates, it ticks all the right boxes. Also, the latter may add another dimension of Fun, if you are of a certain age and social inclination. Not that I would advocate that on a Christian website, of course...well, I would. Just be sensible, yeah? ;)
At this point I look at the ground and shift awkwardly from foot to foot. Umm, if you have a Significant Other, then another form of play is available. Lets just say that the pre-requisites of activity, Fun, in-dolphins and possibly laughter could well be involved. If this is the case, then hurrah! Make time to play in this way, too. (I am, of course, talking about tickle-fights with your partner. What? What?! Why are you looking at me like that?!? What did you *think* I meant?)
So, folks, pick your form of play, your playmate(s) if necessary and start having Fun - with that capital F.
I'm off horse-riding now.