Sunday, November 13, 2005

Play Au Naturel?

Bet my title caught your eye! No, I'm not referring to playing naked although that would probably make an interesting topic to explore sometime? Instead, I want to explore the question whether or nor play is a learned activity or something that comes naturally, a part of being human?

Obviously we are created for play, why else has the cardboard paper box become such a beacon for creativity! Ever seen the movie Millions? If you have seen you'll understand, if not have a view - well worth it! I think we teach play to an extent but the seeds of play reside in all of us, it is inborn like the need to breathe, think, and explore!

Real, honest play is ripe with creativity! No need for audio tracks, dvd interactive features, battery power, etc. Lose the technology - all you need is just a crayon and a piece of paper; a stick and some sand; some dirt and a finger....and simply add natural inborn creativity and you have play au naturel! Technology in fact often kills the creativity that resides in each of us. There are exceptions like perhaps digital cameras but honestly a pad of paper and a pencil has the potential of creating more beauty than 1's and 0's ever will!

Honest, naked play is stripped of programmed fun and replaced with natural expression of the tools of creativity! All you need is a few ingredients like paper or paint. When is the last time you played in mud? Sat in a sandbox? Fingerpainted? Play-doughed? Made a snowman? The list continues - feel free to post your favorite all-natural full-on play activity! I'll give a prize to the best one ;)

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