Play as Prayer
Playing is a form of prayer.”- Tasha Nassar
Mamas, when was the last time you found yourself lost in play? We have the fortune of being around a child or children every day, and we should use that as an opportunity to invite more play into our lives. Through play, you unleash more joy, creativity, imagination, and gratitude. Play is a prayer of thanksgiving and lighthearted joy. It shows that you know how to appreciate the small moments of life and you have allowed yourself to be present. You may also find that when you get lost in play, whether with your child or not, you are the most free.
Kairo has made some friends in our neighborhood that we’ve hung out with a couple of times recently. I really enjoy this family as their mother and I share a similar outlook and approach to parenting. One thing we both encourage our children to do is play freely, without limits. Unless they are at risk of hurting others or themselves, they are free to play as they wish.
One of their favorite ways to play is to go deep into the woods and explore. Now I told y’all last week I haven’t always been a nature girl. I do enjoy being on the manmade paths in the words, but trekking my own path? That’s a little outside of my comfort zone and something I’m having to get used to. Kairo’s curiosity sparks mine though, and I often find myself deep in the woods right along with them. I’ve found that play, curiosity, and joy are all contagious and these kids are giving me a healthy overdose.
It feels so good to be that free! I’m shattering my idea of what play should look like and inviting new ways of living. This approach to parenting that allows Kairo to play freely, is helping me to see life differently. It’s totally shifting my perspective on everything! We go our entire lives thinking we have to live a certain way, but through free play, I’ve learned that there are actually an infinite number of possibilities for how to do it. Kairo and his friends have shown me it’s most important to follow your curiosity. It always leads you to the best discoveries. They literally run into the woods with no idea or expectation of what they’ll discover and end up stumbling across what they consider treasures.
What if this could be true for us as adults, too? What would happen if we learned to let go of our expectations, forgot about how we’ve been told to live, and allowed our curiosity to guide how we play in this game of life? My guess is we’d be a lot happier, joyful, and stress free. The days where I get lost in play with Kairo and his friends have truly been the best days. I’m so grateful that they’ve taught me how to play again! We totally loose track of time and just have fun. To me, playing is a prayer for more play. I don’t want to take life so serious anymore.
Next time you’re lost in play, ask yourself, how can I make my life always feel this easy?
Until next time,
Stay ViKtorious Mama!
