play

I’ve been noticing the similarities in play and happiness. They obviously have two different meanings and one is used as a verb while the other as a state of being. But they tend to converge. I would say that you are more likely to be happy while playing and you’re more likely to play because you’re happy. 

“Be happy” “Do what makes you happy” “life is about happiness” these words can feel trite and irritating because happiness usually happens to us, it’s not something we can just initiate. It’s this feeling that takes us by surprise. It’s always welcomed, but random - which adds to its beauty. Similarly to play, there are moments in which we allow ourselves to play whether it be a game or pretend etc. - but even then it takes a moment to fully drop in. The play doesn’t start until we release the obligation of “winning” or “landing the joke”…

That being said, being present is the factor that can provide the foundation to both play and happiness. I believe “living a balanced life” is an enemy to play. As artists - as humans - I think we all realize the spontaneity of the environments and people around us. That’s not to say, we are at the mercy of external forces, just that we are affected by them. There’s this guilty feeling that happens at times when spending time with family - I start to think about the work I should be doing and conversely, I start to think about the experiences I am missing with my family when I am working on a project. It’s time to give ourselves the permission to be in the spaces we are in and the people we are with - fully. 

“The opposite of play isn’t work, it’s depression.” 

To yearn for balance will always prompt a feeling of inadequacy. Balance can be found in the ebbs and flows of life - from one present moment to the next. So be present as best as you can, allow joy to surface, even in moments that “they shouldn’t.”