Playfulness is something that my spouse and I have been committed to for our entire relationship. Few days go by where we don’t make each other laugh or chuckle. Humor is one of the ways we use to deescalate and then we can have more meaningful conversations. Here is a joke of theirs I can share: “What did the tomato say to the mayonnaise during the Condiment Marathon? If I want to ketchup, I mustard!” -Christina Rivera (CLF)
Deepen a relationship with a joke today.
“A child loves…play, not because it’s easy, but because it’s hard. ” -Benjamin Spock
How has play helped you approach something difficult?
A couple of weeks ago, we went to my sister-in-law’s family lake house in Maine. Spending time in nature reminds me of play. We played in the water with pool noodles, played a word game, and an outside game that was kind of like outdoor bowling. And we got to witness nature with wonder, like two butterflies dancing with each other or two bald eagles sitting together in a tree. Spotting wonders in nature was like a game itself. -Liz Auguste (CLF)
What is your favorite game to play outside?
“Playing a game together actually builds up bonds and trust and cooperation. We actually build stronger social relationships as a result. ” -Jane McGonigal
How has play helped you form relationships of trust and cooperation?
One of my best friends is a 5 year old. Her favorite thing to do is terrorize me with spiders. Little drawn spiders on scraps of paper, hand spiders through FaceTime, even a fluffy stuffed spider! The joy on her face when I fake scream makes me laugh and laugh. By the time we are done we are both laughing. After more than a year of being tortured and laughing until my sides hurt, I’m not so afraid of spiders anymore! -JeKaren Olaoya (CLF)
When has play helped you face a fear?
