State of Play®
Play is the nature by which we first explored the world, and continue to expand our boundaries in the present. The practice of moving between a play state and others is a powerful tool for self exploration. It nourishes self confidence while stepping out of the rigid boundaries of role and personality. Healthy play is the healthy way to build proper stress coping mechanisms, practice problem solving skills and gain physical dexterity without the pressure of "real world" responsibility.
Our Philosophy
Imagine you are enthralled in a high-intensity game of your favorite sport, let say... basketball. Every second your focus is on, shifting from the ball, your teammates, the strategy of your defense... the thrill of the ball flying toward the basket as the last buzzer rings... a miss... your team lost. Throughout the entirety of the game you were free of thoughts of the mundane worries of every day life, and the influence of past stressors. During game play, you experienced the thrill of total involvement with reckless abandon, forgetting about your social status, roles of responsibility, and outside relationships... you were just there. Now imagine the game is over, but you can't let go of the loss. You go home and ruminate over every second of play, every pass you made, and every ball that was missed. The memories of the game start to effect your home life, your thoughts become distracted, split between the game of yesterday and the tasks of today.
This metaphor is multifaceted, but the main two points that contribute to our philosophy of the State of Play are these;
This metaphor is multifaceted, but the main two points that contribute to our philosophy of the State of Play are these;
TOTAL INVOLVEMENT
When participating in any activity the best way to do so is with total involvement. This an obvious truth, but one that can be difficult to put into practice. In many aspects of modern life it is easy to be distracted, dis-involved, and unauthentic, and it is easy because of reasons that are different for everybody. We carry the tension of interpersonal relationships, past traumas, current stressors, and roles of responsibility. When participating in activities and conversations we may deem as routine or mundane, it is easy to let the thoughts and feelings of life's tensions overcome one's ability to view the situation objectively. We lose touch with the present moment.
When playing a game, it is easier to be present because the focus is singular, the goals are laid out for you, and you can safely lose yourself in the constructs of the established rules knowing that others will also play according to them. In more subtle aspects of life, such as interpersonal relationships (or just life itself), the game is much more complex, the rules are constantly changing, and the players may not always know or abide by the rules that you may have established according to your experience.
With misunderstanding comes friction, and with friction comes heat... heat can either burn itself out or yield light. When facing life's friction it is helpful to view it in a state of play. This reduces personal stress and offense while working toward the desired outcome of enlightenment instead of discord. One can view their role from an objective perspective, and approach each challenge as a singular event with clear goals and desired outcomes. Treating challenges as a game through the state of play gives us the chance to practice an objective participant's frame of mind, and apply it in all aspects of life. It is a chance to escape the "self", and find unity in the present moment.
When playing a game, it is easier to be present because the focus is singular, the goals are laid out for you, and you can safely lose yourself in the constructs of the established rules knowing that others will also play according to them. In more subtle aspects of life, such as interpersonal relationships (or just life itself), the game is much more complex, the rules are constantly changing, and the players may not always know or abide by the rules that you may have established according to your experience.
With misunderstanding comes friction, and with friction comes heat... heat can either burn itself out or yield light. When facing life's friction it is helpful to view it in a state of play. This reduces personal stress and offense while working toward the desired outcome of enlightenment instead of discord. One can view their role from an objective perspective, and approach each challenge as a singular event with clear goals and desired outcomes. Treating challenges as a game through the state of play gives us the chance to practice an objective participant's frame of mind, and apply it in all aspects of life. It is a chance to escape the "self", and find unity in the present moment.
RELEASE OF ROLE
No matter how exciting a game can be, the players are forced to stop playing once it is over. The pressure of the time clock has come to an end, the opposing team dissolves into friends, and the score remains as it was at the buzz. There is a definite final moment that transforms what was once an atmosphere of excitement and pressure to release and relaxation. The role that everyone played during, is now put away, and each person dons a new mask... or the one they had on before the game.
It is easy to distinguish the end of a game because there are obvious physical and social markers, what can be more complicated is determining the end of a more complex endeavor such as a relationship or a period of grieving. The skill that state of play provides is the ability to transition from one state into the other, while remaining conscious of one's self during the process. If one cannot let go of the outcome of a game like in the example above, the lingering attachments and emotions can disrupt life and prevent one from thinking clearly, making vital decisions, or participating in life at all. The snowball effect of tensions and stressors that aren't properly released and processed prevents them from living in and enjoying the present.
This is the fundamental reason why the state of play is so important to mental and social health, it works the "muscles" of transition and allows participants' identity to become more fluid, more light, and closer to ever-present. It is an opportunity to let go of role and responsibility and choose how to address those aspects when the game is over. It is an example of the fleeting nature of emotions and thoughts, and our ability to govern them as we please instead of being a victim of them.
It is easy to distinguish the end of a game because there are obvious physical and social markers, what can be more complicated is determining the end of a more complex endeavor such as a relationship or a period of grieving. The skill that state of play provides is the ability to transition from one state into the other, while remaining conscious of one's self during the process. If one cannot let go of the outcome of a game like in the example above, the lingering attachments and emotions can disrupt life and prevent one from thinking clearly, making vital decisions, or participating in life at all. The snowball effect of tensions and stressors that aren't properly released and processed prevents them from living in and enjoying the present.
This is the fundamental reason why the state of play is so important to mental and social health, it works the "muscles" of transition and allows participants' identity to become more fluid, more light, and closer to ever-present. It is an opportunity to let go of role and responsibility and choose how to address those aspects when the game is over. It is an example of the fleeting nature of emotions and thoughts, and our ability to govern them as we please instead of being a victim of them.
We are dedicated to play, and it is a required prescription for all who come through our doors. From beach combing, hoola-hooping, kick-ball, and tag, to virtual reality, charades, cards and video games, we are always looking for new ways to explore our most playful state, embrace the present, and honor the playful hearts of others. No matter what type of play, it is important to participate weekly as a ritual to cleanse the mind and replenish the soul... some would say it's a lot like going to church.
"What is the quickest way to a quiet mind? Laughter!"
"What is the quickest way to a quiet mind? Laughter!"