Can you believe I have to write an article on the importance of playtime? When we were kids, of course we knew how to play. It came naturally to us. If you’re not doing sacred playtime, you’re missing the boat on life.

If you’re a high achiever, an entrepreneur, or you’re working at whatever job, or even if you’re retired but you love volunteering and helping out your friends and family…

You NEED playtime in your life. For those of us carrying grief or trauma, it can be even more important – and not so easy.

Now, I’m not talking about work that is fun. That is still work. My business is still my business, even though I love keynote speaking, giving women’s circles, teaching my students, writing, rehearsals and music creation. In fact, a few years ago, I had a little awakening moment where I realized that I was NOT having any playtime at all! Now that I have chronic pain, it’s become even harder to make sure I have that playtime.

For a long time, when I went out, it was something to do with my business: networking, a speaking gig, meeting with a potential healing client, an expo where I had a booth… nothing was on my agenda just purely for fun. I got caught up in an overworking, underplaying cycle.

What Is Sacred Playtime?

1. You’re doing it purely for FUN.
2. It means something to you. It’s not someone else’s fun. It’s YOUR fun shared with someone(s) you enjoy spending time with.
3. You don’t have to try to get any results.
4. You’re in Sacred Time. Doesn’t matter how long things take or what happens next. You tend not to notice the time until you’re ready to go home.
5. The only purpose is to have FUN.
6. Nobody but you is telling you what to do.
7. You feel free to be more spontaneous.
8. It’s a feast for the soul (and sometimes for the body).
9. You catch yourself in moments of laughing so hard you’re almost crying, or seeing something so beautiful in a dear friend, or watching their passion come out in an activity.
10. Sometimes it is a spiritual experience. I had a couple of really intense Joy moments at a solstice party once. I felt a high in my body, mind and spirit. I don’t drink or do drugs. It was a total natural high! I had tears from the power of the Joy, gratitude and nourishing organic food I was enjoying. Experiences like that are meant to be shared and often come from you sharing time and space with other people.
11. The outcome doesn’t matter, as long as it’s fun.
12. It involves smiles, laughter and some sort of activity.
13. It has no deadline, unless you’ve set a playdate.
14. You don’t have to accomplish anything other than having fun.
15. At least some of it needs to involve more than just you – people whose company you enjoy. Yes, introverts and shy people, I’m talking to you (and me!) too. Human beings need to be around other human beings. Not all the time. And not always some big crowd of people. Just at least one person (and that could be a four legged person sometimes, just saying) other than yourself. These days in the 2020s, that might mean a zoom conversation, a virtual circle, a Facetime, phone call or chat over social media.

How To Get Beyond The Resistance:

It’s embarrassing to admit, but I’m guessing you’ll relate… I actually resist doing things that light me up. Even singing sometimes! But it’s like a kid in the bath tub. They fight you, scream, whine, freak out, and then once they’re in the tub, all you can hear are sounds of delight and fun.

But I don’t have time, I’m so busy. Build time into your calendar to play. Anything from getting up for 5 minutes to dance to your favourite 80’s song (that would be me!) to taking off for a random day trip if you have the resources, so yes, put lots of free time in your calendar for playtime. If you’re super busy, your playdates with yourself or other people might be shorter and less frequent, but do it!

I don’t have the money (or vehicle or other resources). Find something free to do! Like sipping tea at your place with a friend or two. Go for a walk or have a chat with someone to catch up. Call someone. Start a creative project with whatever tools you have. There are plenty of ways to have playtime without spending a fortune – or even a dime!

I have chronic pain/illness. I do too. Yes, it can feel limiting, absolutely. When the pain isn’t too bad and you have enough “spoons” left, invite someone over to your place – or have a zoom conversation – for as long as you feel you can manage it. Ask a friend to drive you somewhere if you can get out. Take a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber if you can, to an event you would otherwise not be able to attend. I wrote this article before the pandemic, so of course do what is safe for you. Don’t give up. I know for myself even pre-pandemic, I have had days when there is no way I would go out or be with people. Don’t forget to have little sacred playtime moments to ease the pain, like petting your pet or watching a funny YouTube video or just sitting there laughing for no reason. It will make a difference.

I don’t feel motivated. Did you see my comment about the kid in the bath tub? Read it again.  Once you get into your playtime activities, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing them all the time! Let the promise of laughter, enjoyment, fun and energy be your motivation. If you’re deep in resistance, try journaling or doodling your way out of it.

I’m shy. I hate meeting new people. Get a friend or two involved, especially an outgoing person. Call, text, message them and invite them to something, or create your own something to do together. Set up a playdate! It will create accountability so that your playtime actually happens.

If you are painfully shy or introverted, or you have social anxiety, start with what feels easiest. Maybe it’s online activities or texting sessions or a walk with a friend. Then ask that same friend to go with you to something you would both enjoy. I know it’s not easy, so if you need to prepare first, do whatever it takes. Get support if you need it. Trust me, as a shy and formerly 100% introverted person with social anxiety and trauma, I get how difficult it can be AND I know how liberating it is to get beyond the resistance and grow a small meaningful circle of like-minded friends. You are worth it. So start small and play your way up to more and more playtime with and without friends.

I’m highly sensitive. Yeah, I get you. That’s why you get to create your own experiences. Find places to go that make you feel safe. Create your sacred space around you before you even leave. Bring tools to help you along the way (I carry crystals, stones, essential oils and Rescue Remedy). And of course, hang out with other highly sensitive people (and some who aren’t, but who get you, so you can stretch).

Most people don’t get me. I’m with you on that. There are people who do get you. You just have to find them. Social media is awesome for that. Seek out people with your interests. I’m not your average bear and I’ve been able to surround myself with some pretty awesome people.

I’m grieving. You need to do what works for you. After losing my son, I’ve gone through all kinds of emotion and will probably be grieving in some way for him for the rest of my life. At first, I couldn’t do anything at all, for about 2 months. I was immobilized. Then I grew into being able to do some speaking and singing gigs. Eventually, I was craving playtime but only felt safe to do that with certain friends and if I had a ride. I continue to do what I have to do to help me feel safe, secure and supported in my sacred playtime. I also get professional support when I need it. Just like I hired a mentor to get me out of my shell, I also had a lot of grief counselling. I joined a group program for people who have lost someone to murder. Get support when and how you need it. Take the time alone you need. Do whatever works. Nobody can tell you what to do for your grief journey or how long it will be except you. But I still encourage you to get in some sacred playtime when you feel able. It helps break up the sadness.

Words To The Wise:

Stay in touch with your friends. Get back in touch with ones you still want a relationship with, and start staying in touch better.

I used to be terrible at developing relationships. I was too shy and socially anxious to meet new people, too shy or awkward to stay in touch, too introverted to want to go out all the time, and people just didn’t invite me to things. I stayed home a lot unless I was out on a speaking or singing gig. I had to learn and practice. You might have to practice at first if you’re not used to socializing and being in touch with people, especially now in the 2020s when we just never know how safe it will be to gather in groups. That’s why I attend a lot of virtual circles and touch base with friends over zoom, social media or the phone.

Walk into the fire. I let my fear come along for the ride, but it doesn’t get to take the wheel. I started committing myself to attending meetup events back in 2013, even on my own, as scary as that was for me. It was my way of breaking out of my shell. I might have gone to events by myself, but I had the support of my personal mentor. I found it extremely rewarding, even when it was hard or awkward, and because I took many little (and sometimes big) leaps, I now have the most beautiful little circle of friends I love dearly. They are the ones who were there for me when I lost my son 3 years later.

Pay attention to how you feel when you have sacred playtime and when you don’t. I feel it when I haven’t been having enough playtime. That’s when I call it in. I ask the Universe and my Higher Realms Support Team (that’s what I call my Ancestors, spirit guides, angels, archangels etc.) to bring me some playtime opportunities, but also I check in with my friends. I look for events on Facebook or Eventbrite. I plan something.

How did I get to this place of making space for sacred playtime?

I got some support. I found a mentor who could help me get out of my shell and start meeting new people. She also gave me some tips and resources to help me really let myself play. I can’t believe how far I’ve come since then. If you have a hard time with people, I highly recommend finding a mentor to help you. If you feel like I might be that person, we can explore. Book a time with me to discuss mentoring and healing options.

We are living in an era where in-person community has become rare and often unsafe, but even virtual or solo sacred playtime is super important. If you don’t feel you have a community, search around until you find one that feels right for you. Look at grocery store and community bulletin boards where you like to shop. Look on Eventbrite.com. Check your local events guide. Search Facebook events. Don’t give up. In the meantime, create sacred playdates with yourself and chat online with friends.

Enjoy your Joy moments!

Love & Blessings,

Brenda MacIntyre, Medicine Song Woman

RESOURCES:

• Want to dive right in and get some support? Head over here.

FOLLOW ME ON SPOTIFY – MUSIC FOR THESE CRAZY TIMES:

• Follow My Artist Account on Spotify.
• Follow my Global Pandemic Playlist on Spotify. The studio (CD, not live) version of the songs I sang in the livestreamed concert are also in this playlist.
• Follow the RENEWAL Playlist for springtime on Spotify