Play. 

The science is clear that play is inseparable from vitality, expression, happiness, and learning for all ages.

Erin (Pink) Mosley spent three days in October with two world-renowned teachers and ~40 fellow enthusiastic professionals deeply exploring play and connection.

She brought back new insights that enhance EMI's executive coaching, workshops, and strategic consulting. 

The truth is that here in the U.S. it can feel like a pressure cooker. People have very different views and there is so much vitriol.

We need play. In a very serious way.

For connection. For understanding. For compassion. 

So let's explore ways of keeping play in our lives, our workplaces, and our communities. How might we use the spirit and the fundamentals of play in a skillful way?

• What games and playmaking do you remember from childhood? With others? On your own?
• Can you think of a time in your life when you felt the pure joy of play? 
• You may also remember times when something meant to be playful was not fun or when you wanted to play but could not.
  

The way play shows up in our lives now, as adults, is about all of these experiences.

At the workshop, play was all about connection - not competition. We explored ways that play results in a deeply felt experience of togetherness, support, interest, belonging, and nervous system regulation. Play is essential for us to find and negotiate our boundaries with others. We focused on simple physical play with minimal toys, props, or storytelling elements.

It's important to note that when kids are "roughhousing" that can definitely fit into this natural kind of play when it supports their confidence in physical and mental abilities; asserting themselves and (yes) healthy aggression; and also a way to express energetic and close physical contact among trusted family and friends (or training programs such as martial arts).

In fact, one important aspect of play is what happens when something goes wrong? How do we handle hurts or misunderstandings in play? Relational "ruptures" and boundary violations are a reality of daily life no matter how old you are, and it is in these moments we have the opportunity to build deeper trust and connection. (Of course, there is an equal opportunity to ignore or dismiss the rupture, and that can set us back.)

Some other favorite themes from the workshop:

• Anchoring experiences so that others feel truly received and seen even if you feel preoccupied.
• Rewriting the "rules of the game" for outcomes of connection and mutual success rather than loss or abandonment.
• Joining another in a difficult moment so that they don't feel alone.
• Reassuring someone ("you're not in trouble!") when they are feeling the fear of blame or punishment.
• Appreciating "no" and other resistance. (There are more options than just pressuring someone to engage in a certain way or at a certain pace.)
• Creating a culture of care and empathy: "I got you."
• Handling hurts, harms, and miscommunications.
• Understanding the many social strategies for handling stressful situations.
• Affecting vitality through voice and other non-verbal cues.
• Letting someone else win.
• Maintaining a "secure base."
• Asking permission.
• Unlocking life energy that may be blocked or suppressed.

And so much more! Those who have worked with EMI will see a lot that is familiar here. We're excited to continue bringing these practical, fun, and science-based approaches to support our clients in their leadership: creating great communities and organizations.

Get in touch anytime to dive deeper and to let us know what you think!

For more reading and watching from us, check out our curated archives at Still Curious?