Creative Play in Times of Change

If asked to describe the current cultural milieu in this country, I think I'd say that it feels like America is holding its breath.

Above: Ahna and Amy blow bubbles in the park.

With so much change afoot, it's hard not to feel a bit afraid. Staying open in times of groundlessness is no easy task.

We tend, instead, to become tight, adopting rigid ways of responding to situations in our lives when we don't feel totally secure.

We forget that in times like these we can still access our innate creativity and sense of play, that they can help us to find new ways of responding to difficult situations.

Above: A moment of adversity...Mortimer seizes Ahna's scone.

Play, spontaneity and laughter come from the opposite place of fear. They bring release and freedom, while fear is clenched and holds energy in. When we relax into a playful or creative state, we open the way for new life and fresh insights to move through our systems. Who knows what other shifts this may inspire?

Above: Amy and Ahna bust out some improvisational dance moves.

Given the current state of affairs, there couldn't be a better time to do something that gets us out of stagnant patterns—rollick in the grass, blow bubbles, bake cupcakes, throw a tea party—anything to bring in new energy!

Above: Tea party invitation for Amy.

So this past weekend, in celebration of my friend Amy's birthday, that is exactly what we did. The two of us set off for the park with a cargo of fine china, tea-time morsels and stuffed animals.

Above: Tea party invitees (left to right): Teddy, Rainbow Kitty, Scruffy, Chip and Cotton.

After chowing down on blueberry scones and chocolate cupcakes and dancing on grassy knolls till dusk, we closed the day with a night-time poetry reading by flashlight.

Above: Amy listens to Ahna read.

I hope that these pictures help share the day's magic and perhaps even inspire you toward a playful manifestation of your own. If you'd like to see more tea party photos, the complete album is up on my flickr page.

Above: All the tea party attendees enjoying the day.

Until next time, may you find new ways to play, make art of your life, and remember to write and tell me about it…!