As we rapidly approach the Vernal (Spring) Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, we can look to the abundant blossoming of nature to remind us of the importance of beauty and play in our lives. Although we live in a society that is often disconnected from the natural rhythms of the Earth, there is still a sensation of "aliveness" that happens this time of year as we move out of the cold, dark, depths of winter and into the new life of springtime. Celebrated across cultures as a time of fertility and rebirth, the Vernal Equinox brings with it the energy of new beginnings and opportunities for creation.
But from where does this creative impulse we see reflected in the Earth's response to the changing season originate? From a place of resigned apathy, or a place of beauty and inspiration? We must only look at the feelings the beauty and life of springtime evokes within ourselves to find the answer. How can we tap into this same place of joy, beauty, and divine inspiration for our own creations? The answer lies in play, mirroring the vibrant, playful rebirth of nature we witness with the arrival of spring. Just as the Earth bursts into life, revealing flowers in bloom and animals emerging to explore, so too can we rediscover our own creative life force through play. By engaging in activities purely for the sake of enjoyment, unattached to expectations of a desired outcome, we mirror the natural world’s celebration of life and align with our own divine blueprint.
Through the act of play we liberate ourselves from the rigid societal structures and responsibilities that dictate the majority of our activities, and encourage our minds to behave more freely and creatively. Anyone who has spent time around children has doubtless noticed that children are much more creative, energetic, and joyful than the typical adult. Some of us may even be able to remember ourselves in that way in our youth and wonder what happened. There are many aspects of maturation that contribute to this change, but one of the most important is our gradual loss of regular play. As we become older and take on more and more responsibility, we learn to prioritize those things that society has taught us are "valuable." Advancement of career, reaching a certain social status, finding a particular type of partner, creating a certain type of family, etc. Over time all of our actions become outcome oriented, with all of our energy going towards striving for something in the future rather than presence and enjoyment in the now. This way of living cuts us off from our divine life force energy, from the fullness and beauty of our creative power, as it creates more and more separation between this lived experience and who we as souls.
While responsibility is inarguably an important part of adult life, integrating playful and creative activities into our daily routines can profoundly enhance our well-being. Research consistently demonstrates that adults who prioritize play experience improved health, heightened happiness, and enhanced creativity.
By carving out time for playfulness amidst the demands of life, we can reconnect with our soul's real reason for being here - simply for the experience. This simple act of choosing to participate in an activity solely for the fun of the experience connects us back with our divine life force energy and provides a channel to rediscover our inherent creative power. In this way we can bridge the gap between societal expectations and our authentic selves, aligning our lives more closely with our soul's true purpose. So, as we celebrate the Vernal Equinox and the blossoming of new life, let us remember to cultivate playfulness and spontaneity in our daily lives. By honoring the playful essence of our true nature, we unlock the door to endless possibilities, cultivating a life filled with vitality, purpose, and profound fulfillment.
To learn more about the benefits of play in our lives, identify your own play nature, and receive tips for cultivating play in your current life, check out the National Institute for Play website here. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but find it to be a nice resource :)
Fun and joyful adventures to all!
With love, Emeline
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