Playfulness – what is it and why should anyone care? Most commonly associated with children, playfulness in adults has been more recently studied by researchers.
We often think of children when we think of play. But being able to play may be what makes some people happier than others. The ability to play as an adult, as defined the above-referenced article, seems to be innate rather than learned. But even people who are able to enjoy being in their own heads, imagining and seeing the magical aspects of life, may not be able to do it all of the time.
Photography is one outlet for play for me at this time. Creating images of my world is fun. At this time last year I was engrossed with the Persephone series. Looking back through those images now, this is a composite of many aspects of my life. It is only in retrospect that I see it that way. It occurred to me when I came across the Frida Kahlo quote about her painting:
“I don’t paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.”
I guess this is mine:
Some winters I find it harder than others to feel like playing. Winters are always the worst, and some are worse than others. But here in New Mexico, even sunsets in winter can seem to offer some hope of a better tomorrow.
If all else fails, a look back at the 2016 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta can reveal a playfulness that appeals to all ages, children and adults.
Playfulness and Life
Wishing you a day, week, and life filled with the hope of joy and playfulness.
Hi Susan,
Great to read a new post ! I like this idea of playfulness in adults a lot, to me it means that we haven’t lost our child’s mind. If as adults, we are still able to find playfulness in some of our interests in life, I think maybe we won’t get old in our minds too soon. We’ll be able to still enjoy life whatever happens. I regard this as a message of hope 🙂
Wish you a wonderful day,
MC
Marie-Claude, it is so nice to see you this morning! I woke up in the middle of the night here (I nearly always sleep through the night!) and felt compelled to write this post. I just now woke up again, and finding you here made me smile. Thank you! I agree with all that you say, and I did mean it as a message of hope 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by today. Susan
It’s good we can make our own realities through photography.
Hi, Tim! You know how strongly I agree with that! 🙂
As I was writing the post, I couldn’t help thinking about Spunk and his huge role as Playfulness Bringer. There are many other things beyond Spunk, the other cats, birds, flowers, etc. But Spunk in many ways overwhelms them all, and contributes so much to even people who read your blog!
For those of you who do not know Tim’s blog or Spunk, take a look at a couple of these posts:
http://photos.tandlphotos.com/blog/2017/1/how-to-slice-irish-soda-bread
http://photos.tandlphotos.com/blog/2017/1/find-your-strong
Spunk really good at creating his own realities and surrealities as well. Thanks, Susan!
Taking time for play and creativity is so important as an adult, and is often overlooked or considered a waste of productive time. It is important for physical and mental health.
Hi, Lavinia. For much of my life I devoted more effort to work than to play. Fortunately, I have had the opportunity to learn to play 🙂 I agree completely with what you say. Thank you for dropping by today!