Play
Play is connection in action.
From birth throughout our lifespan we are in connection with others. The quality of our life reflects simply, directly and genuinely in the quality of our connections.
Play is natural and instinctual. It is a deeply woven motivation to relate, to understand and to care. Play is a non-verbal, empathic interaction that allows the individual to experience, explore and discover the power and meaning of connection.
Play is not fighting. Play is not hurting. Play is the courage to connect and to be kind, gentle and safe.
In play we explore connection in three observable ways:
♥Engagement - observation, eye contact, facial expressions, head gestures, proximity, brief touches.
♥Movement - moving together, traveling together, mirroring and echoing movements, making shapes, making spaces.
♥Touch - hand, finger and foot play, cradling, cuddling, crawling underneath, riding on the back, rolling like a ball.
Play connects and integrates us into caring relationships. Through play we learn simply, directly and genuinely about ourselves and each other.