Is your inner child as active as mine?
I have a delightful daily reminder of my ‘little kid self’. This pastel sketch of me as a four year old, hangs on the wall opposite my desk. My father was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and at the time, we lived in a small French village just outside Paris, France.
I had many thrilling experiences while we lived overseas. From buying my first pet bunny in a French village market to being a fairy tale flower girl riding in a horse and carriage at a wedding in Le Hague, The Netherlands. My imagination had lots of stimulation.
Nowadays, my playfulness is well known. My easily embarrassed husband cringes when I start dancing in the aisles of a big box store – just for fun!!
I’ve always enjoyed watching other folks have fun. So when I’m feeling a bit of whimsy and want to dance in the aisles or in the park – I simply do it (among other things!!). Other folks smile at my antics too. So a bit of joy is spread all around.
Given my antics, I had a good giggle this morning while listening to the radio. A new adult playground has opened in Toronto. It’s all about a ‘real life recess’ for grown-ups. Wowzer – what a great idea!
The interview I heard was thought provoking. I believe in the benefits of using our active bodies to experience joy. It takes us away from the daily routine and pressures.
Fortunately I experience this three times a week when I go the stable to ride and train my horse buddy. My body, mind and spirit are all refreshed.
However many adults are lacking in this and are suffering for it. Watching TV, Netflix or playing games online is not active pleasure involving body and spirit. It is sedentary and numbing.
If you’re making a trip to Toronto – you could check this spot called HideSeek and purchase tickets when you’re in town. It’s a Pop-Up installation and appears to be open until June 2nd, 2019.
As it turns out there are many permanent adult type playgrounds. Here’s a sampling from a blog I discovered. I know whenever I travel – I’ll be on the lookout for a spot like these to explore and HAVE SOME FUN!!
To finish off – here’s some fun media of ME – sampling some adult playground fun last summer. May it inspire you!
Here I am going for a ‘spin’ on some adult playground equipment while visiting Port Perry, Ontario.
On the other hand, my husband’s sense of fun differs. He’s suited more to doing a hyper speed video of what he considers ‘me being childish’. His poor Inner Child has long been neglected.
I’m keen to hear of any ‘play’ adventures that you have enjoyed. What ideas do you have for ‘real life recess’ play experiences that adults can enjoy. There might even be some that are specific for certain ages of adults. Let’s have some fun with this. Share this article with your friends and let’s a create more downtime JOY.
