Play Within the New Paradigm

I have been asked as of late to write numerous articles on the importance of play during the most trying of time in our world. It is humbling, to be honest. even i am understanding the deepest meaning of this word PLAY.

Back in 2003 I created the concept of playward - at first it was about bringing fun to corporate settings - it was so exciting to watch and be a part of men and women breaking down their "walls" and just have "fun."

It served a great purpose - more than i realized - for I am always remembering how to break down my own "walls" as well.

Now, I see it as larger then this. looking at whatever is showing itself in life as an opportunity to learn- but not in a hard, sacrificial way, but in a playful way-like a child learns to walk for the first time

Ya know, we are not meant to get it "perfect" - so often we get lost in this agenda that we forget the opportunities that lie in each "fall down" or stumble.

I have written this numerous times, but even I for the first time am living this concept of play.
what do we do when we are losing things? what do we do when things are collapsing, or people are losing their jobs?

What do we do? Do we repeat the same ol stuff that we feel will "save us" - or do we REALLY see this as an opportunity for change.

Change begins individually. maybe instead of feeling victim to life, we begin to own and take responsibility that our lives are OURS for the making. that this play- is not about winning, getting more, buying things out- hoping.
that life is an opportunity to dig deeper.
playing well together. seeing outside ourselves. helping others. knowing that no matter what we are never alone....

Truly. we are not. receiving help. receiving guidance. not just from investment brokers but from the inner teacher that lies within ALL of us.
forgiving. ....our past choices. and being the present time.

I know it seems meek. we read the papers, listen to the news, etc. and all that is being said is that we are species in recession.

But are we?

What matters to us?

I have seen dark times. No doubt. I have had my integrity questioned, my essence devalued and my whole identity looked upon - and it has been BECAUSE of this that i am playing, my friends.

Playing with the fact - that these are gifts.

The packages are odd. The circumstances feel uncomfortable...but our reaction and our ACTION are what truly makes our lives either a survival ground or a playground.

I cannot offer tools in this one. i can offer ..that you take a deep breathe and stop.

Look at what you DO have and say thanks.

Know that you are not your job, you are not the things you own...but you ARE magnificent.

You have a heartbeat. ...you have laughter....you have a new possibility, like all of us to look at WHAT caused us all to be here as a globe....
not with judgment or blame.

Just with curiosity....like a child.
and choose again.... and again..

Until there is a moment where you feel not sucked into the fear but an observer of it... and play anyway.