Remember How to Play: Unlocking Creativity, Raising Vibration, and Tapping into Flow
When was the last time you really let loose, moved without inhibition, and allowed yourself to play? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone—many of us leave play behind as we move through adulthood, thinking it’s something only children get to do. But here’s the thing: play isn’t just for kids. In fact, play is a powerful tool for anyone, of any age, to unlock creativity, elevate energy, and connect with their most authentic selves.
Children are experts at play because it’s part of how they learn and make sense of the world. They play without limits or expectations, giving themselves fully to the joy of the moment. This unfiltered freedom helps them access higher vibrations, tap into creativity, and stay in flow. And while this natural tendency often fades with age, the good news is we can still consciously choose to play, accessing many of these same benefits ourselves. So let’s talk about how to reintroduce play into our lives and why it matters—no matter how grown-up we are.
Why Play Matters
When I tune into the energy of play, I see it as a bridge—a powerful tool that connects our awareness and intellectual understanding to embodiment. Play takes the concepts we ponder in our minds and brings them to life through action, inviting our bodies into the experience. It’s one thing to understand an idea, like joy or creativity or intricate energetic concepts, on a mental level, but play allows us to feel it, express it, and ground it in the physical. This integration creates a fuller, more vibrant connection between thought and action, helping us align not just with what we think, but with what we truly are.
As adults, we often prioritize productivity over play, viewing playfulness as something frivolous or “extra.” But in reality, play can be a doorway into something much bigger. Engaging in play has been shown to improve mental well-being, relieve stress, and even make us more productive in the long run. When we give ourselves the freedom to be playful, we open ourselves up to new ideas and perspectives that might not come to us otherwise.
The concept of “flow”—that state where we’re so absorbed in what we’re doing that time seems to melt away—can be accessed through play. Just think about it: how many times have you felt fully engaged and alive, free of stress, and just in the moment? Chances are, play was a part of it, whether you were working on a passion project, dancing, or even playing a game with friends. By giving ourselves permission to play, we’re creating space for inspiration, joy, and creativity to flow naturally, leading us to a deeper connection with ourselves and our highest vibrations.
The Power of Playful Movement
Dance has long been a channel for connecting with something beyond ourselves, whether it’s divine energy, community, or even a deeper understanding of our own bodies. In some of the earliest human cultures, dance was used as a form of ceremony, a way to connect with higher energies and channel messages from the divine. Today, we can still turn to movement as a powerful form of expression and healing.
Movement allows us to shake off stagnant energy, process emotions, and reconnect with our physical selves. And the best part? There are no rules in playful movement! This isn’t about performing or looking a certain way—it’s about letting your body do what it wants, whether that means jumping, spinning, stretching, or even lying still. When we let go of expectations and allow our bodies to move freely, we’re inviting new energies and ideas to come forward.
Play and Movement Across Cultures
Play and movement have deep roots in ancient and native traditions, where they were seen as sacred acts that connected individuals to their communities, the natural world, and the divine. Many indigenous cultures incorporated playful movement into their rituals and daily lives, understanding its profound impact on the human spirit.
For example, the San people of Southern Africa practice a healing dance called the Trance Dance. This involves rhythmic movement, clapping, and singing to enter a meditative state. The dance is both playful and spiritual, allowing participants to release physical tension and access deeper states of awareness. Similarly, Native American tribes used playful elements in ceremonies like the Sun Dance, where movements were a way to honor the interconnectedness of life and celebrate resilience.
Ancient Greeks also recognized the value of play through practices like communal dancing, theater, and gymnastic exercises, which were seen as vital for both physical health and spiritual growth. These traditions remind us that play isn’t trivial; it’s an essential part of being human.
The Neuroscience of Play
Science supports that play is transformative for the brain and body. Engaging in playful activities can rewire our neural pathways, improve emotional regulation, and even enhance our creativity.
Neuroplasticity: Play stimulates the brain’s ability to adapt and grow by creating new neural connections. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2021), engaging in playful, novel activities strengthens problem-solving skills and boosts overall cognitive flexibility.
Stress Reduction: Research shows that playful movement lowers cortisol levels and increases endorphin production, creating a natural “feel-good” response. A 2020 study from BMC Public Health found that adults who engaged in playful physical activities experienced a 20% reduction in perceived stress levels compared to those who remained sedentary.
Social Connection: Playing with others fosters oxytocin release, the “bonding hormone,” which enhances feelings of trust and connection. Studies have also shown that shared play strengthens relationships and improves emotional well-being.
By weaving play into our routines, we’re not only nurturing our creativity but also optimizing our mental and physical health. The data is clear: a playful brain is a resilient brain.
How to Prepare for Playful Movement
Ready to dive in? Here’s a simple guide to help you get started with playful movement.
1. Create a Safe Space
First, find a place where you feel comfortable and free to move without inhibition. This might be a private room, a quiet corner in your home, or even a peaceful spot outside.
2. Pick the Right Music
For this exercise, choose music without lyrics so you can focus on creating movement without attachment to a story or lyrics. I asked Kua of Kua Healing to create a free, high-vibe track specifically for playful movement. If you’re interested, it is available here.
3. Get in the Zone
Take a deep breath, set any expectations aside, and just start moving. You can do this exercise while standing, sitting, or even lying down. There’s no wrong way to playfully move. You might start small and slow, or you might feel inspired to jump right in. Listen to your body and follow its lead.
Let the Movement Begin
Now comes the fun part—start moving in whatever way feels right. Here are some ideas to play with:
Experiment with Eyes Open and Closed
Shutting your eyes can help you tune into your body and explore movement without any self-consciousness. Try moving with your eyes open and closed to see what feels different.
Let Each Movement Be Full
Allow each movement to feel as complete as possible. There’s no need to rush through or think about what’s coming next—just focus on fully expressing the movement you’re in.
Invite Your Inner Critic to the Dance
If you feel any self-criticism creeping in, try inviting that inner critic to the dance. Observe any thoughts that come up, but don’t let them hold you back. Notice where your mind goes and see if you can let go of any judgment about “doing it right.” The key here is just to stay present and let yourself have fun.
Reflecting on Your Experience
After your dance, grab a journal or use your phone to record any thoughts, ideas, or “downloads” that came to you during the movement. Reflect on your experience with these questions:
Which parts of you came out to play?
Were there any sides of yourself that surprised you? Playful movement can bring out pieces of ourselves that we might not usually connect with.
What do these parts of you want to share in this moment?
Consider if there are any messages or insights these parts of you have for your current life.
How can you include these parts in your day-to-day life?
Is there a way to bring more of this energy into your daily routines? For instance, if play brought out a sense of lightheartedness, how might you weave that into your morning routine or workday?
The Adventure of Play
Remember, play is a form of self-care and self-expression. By allowing ourselves to move freely, laugh, and let go of rigid expectations, we’re opening up to a more authentic, joyful version of ourselves. Each time we engage in play, we’re strengthening our ability to stay in flow, connect with our higher selves, and raise our vibration. So the next time you feel stressed, disconnected, or creatively blocked, remember: it might be time to play.
Play isn’t just about escaping life’s responsibilities—it’s about connecting to the deeper layers of ourselves and the boundless energy that lies within. And as you explore, you might find that playful movement is one of the most joyful, powerful tools for reconnecting with yourself.
Love to you, always.
*I HIGHLY recommend checking out Native and Indigenous sources to do a deeper dive into the topic covered. The very short paragraph included here has the intention to bring awareness to this perspective, but not speak for it. Please check out more in depth information directly from the source!
