How to Play (For Those Who Don’t Know How)

by Beth A. Richardson

1. Schedule time to be spontaneous.

2. Think of something that you like to do that has nothing to do with your job. (Hint: something that brings you enjoyment, is relaxing, is fun, may or may not be silly, brings you in touch with the people or environment around you.) Grab your journal or a notebook and list three ideas.

3. Find someone to do the activity with.

4. If you cannot find someone, do it anyway.

5. Play. (Hint: go fly a kite, walk in the woods, go to a movie, play miniature golf, ride a horse, read a kids' book, take a nap in the hammock, take a field trip with a kindergarten class, splash in a puddle, go somewhere you've never been before and send your best friend a post card, join a team sport, watch a sunrise, or ____________ [you fill in the blank].)

6. Let yourself experience the wonder of your play.

Adapted from “How to Play (For Those Who Don’t Know How)” by Beth A. Richardson. Published in Alive Now, July/August 1992, Vol. 22, No. 4. Copyright © 1992 by The Upper Room.

Photograph by Steph Q / Unsplash