Episode 186: Why Play?

Jul 13, 2021

Let's Play

When was the last time you stopped and played?

If you’re thinking, “C’mon, kids, play. Adults don’t play,” stick with us to learn why play is so important. 

To begin, let’s define what we’re talking about. Play is time spent without purpose.

According to Dr. Stuart Brown, there are reasons why adults need play:

• Because we’re created to play.
• We can’t be fully human and competent without play. 
• And because it happens to be fun

With those reasons as the backdrop for this episode, another way to think about play is planting seeds for relationships to develop. Or, what transformation might be possible because we’ve paused to play? 

Benefits of Play

Here are a few more things to consider. 

The benefits of play seem to show up in every aspect of life and work. Here are a few Dr. Brown and the National Institute for Play identify: 

• Trust
• Empathy
• Optimism
• Flexibility
• Attunement
• Problem Solving
• Joy in Movement
• Three-dimensional thinking
• Perseverance, increased mastery
• Emotional regulation and resiliency
• Imagination
• Openness to receiving inspired “aha” moments
• Cognitive growth, innovativeness, and flexibility
• Belonging - the basis of community, cooperation, and altruism

While this list of benefits can find root in every aspect of life, imagine if these things were present in the church and our service to the local communities. How might transformation unfold? We’d say the possibilities are endless.

So what do you say, go do something for fun that doesn’t have a purpose! Lose track of time and find yourself in the liminal space with Jesus and the people you love.

Write it Down- Talk it Down ...or Just Play!

• Create a “play” list - what activities can you do for hours on end?  
• Now put it on your calendar, if it will help you do it!
• Include others.