The Happiness of Play
Every time I see a patch of may apples, I’m reminded of the 1977 comedy, “Oh, God!” with George Burns playing the central, good-natured, fun-loving character. Asked whether he had a sense of humor, God responded, “Have you ever seen an aardvark?”
To me, may apples look like an aerial view of umbrellas clustered on the patio of some resort. I imagine frogs sitting on little frog-chairs at round frog-tables sipping margaritas and daiquiris, telling frog-jokes and having a rollicking good time.
Comedy is the opposite of gravity. It’s the healing twin of seriousness. It’s one component of play. And whether play takes the form of imaginative amusement, engagement in a loved pastime or hobby, or involvement is a favorite sport, one thing is sure: We all could use a bunch more of it.
Play is, to borrow the Cocoa-Cola’s slogan, the pause that refreshes. It’s like an uplifting breeze that carries us away from the heavy duties of adulthood into a realm of light-heartedness and enjoyment. It gives us a break from monotonous routines and offers us a chance to connect with the kid inside us, flexing our delight muscles, showing us the world from a fresh perspective. It brings enjoyment to life and lets us remember that life can be fun.
Play gives us permission to be silly, to goof-off. It throws us into the present and gives us a new focus, and so it broadens the way we look at things. It wipes the dullness from things and lets life’s shine come through. And when we play with others (which is the best fun of all!) it builds human connections and lets us feel the happiness of camaraderie.
As you head into the work week, be sure you tuck some slices of play between the work hours. Make some popcorn. Get some giggles in. Put on your tap shoes. Have some fun!
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