Why is play important?
And what the heck is play as a grownup?
Being playful can feel silly, sometimes unproductive, and slightly ridiculous - but that’s the point. Play involves “a constellation of characteristics” and is focused on a means rather than an end. Play is imaginative and self-directed, with loose rules that leave room to explore and be creative. As we age, play is no longer part of our vocabulary, let alone part of our daily routine. But research tells us it’s important for our brains - whether you’re 4, 40, or 84! So, how can we be inspired to be more playful?
Tomorrow is held’s first “Convos and Candy” event. “Convos and Candy” will be more casual - think less of an educational deep dive and more of a “here’s a word or two that inspires conversation; let’s go from there!” Some “Convos and Candy” events will be guided with specific activities, such as tomorrow’s “Let’s Play” theme. Others might just be a word or a phrase that inspires the event with card prompts. We are learning as we go! Attendees can choose their own adventure - feel free to participate in the activities or just watch from the sidelines and enjoy each other’s company.
We chatted below with tomorrow night’s co-host Jess Barzell on what play means to her!
1. Why is it important to incorporate play into your life as a grown-up?
Play is doing something I *actually enjoy doing while asking my inner critic to step aside. I ask it to hold its opinion of how **good something is. Play is a choice to find + follow the fun in any activity. I seek play because I like feeling an array of excitement, deep contentment, safety, relaxation, and satisfaction every day. *I don’t actually enjoy what cultural norms say we should find fun (mani/pedi, Disney World, playing a board game). It takes inquiry to find out what we actually enjoy. I notice what emotions certain events evoke. **Good art isn’t really that fun to make, even if you are the best in the world. Even established artists make *bad art to loosen up their faculties and tap more into their creative brains.
2. Can you provide 3 examples of adding play to your everyday life?
I make something with clay almost every day. I have been making small porcelain earrings at my home art studio and I just love the focus a small detail brings me into and the world outside disappears for a moment…ahhh.
When I cook, I play with adding my favorite Ingredients ((white pepper, toasted sesame oil, Meredith Dairy Feta (iykyk)) to recipes that don’t call for them and see how they taste!
When I walk my dog, I decide to find the most beautiful light or color that my eyes can find and then imagine I can feel that beauty in my body. It creates warmth and an awe-inspired feeling in my body, and then I get creative ideas that just come to cook something, organize a social event with friends, or make something.
3. What inspires you to make play a priority? Music - any specific songs? Art?
Play can manifest into life changes. I truly believe that for myself because it’s happened so many times. The feelings inside that I mentioned above are my priority to play. I love Discovery Weekly, which changes every Monday on Spotify to explore new music while I make pottery.
What was your favorite play activity as a child?
My Dad carried me and my brothers from couch to couch in ways I would make up. “Salt and Pepper Shaker” meant him shaking us up and down while carrying us. “Belt” was him wearing me around his waist. I loved this game so much because it was a collaboration with my Dad and brothers creating instant laughs and gratification. I think it was my foray into Improv Comedy.
Making Milleford Beads from Sculpey is the Italian equivalent of the Japanese Nerikomi Style I use to make Porcelain earrings. Play really can manifest into more.
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS…
Tenaya and I share a few little things that inspire us to be more playful
Tenaya
Tenaya’s brother and Tenaya as a child
My daughter, Hayden, loves playing “under the covers,” which means my husband, Matt, and I are in bed while she pretends to be a pilot flying us somewhere. That somewhere is usually Miami, which is followed by shrieking as we chase her around the apartment.
At home, we play a lot of make-believe. Last month, our living room was an ice cream parlor, and Hayden would ask guests which flavor and toppings they “preferred.” As a customer in her imaginary shop, you never got what you ordered!
On weekends, when we don’t have any plans, we often try to be spontaneous, which means meeting up at the last minute with friends or getting in the car and driving someplace new. Even trying a new brewery can feel like an adventure!
Mare
Mare, as a child
Morning dance parties - They don’t happen every morning, but when they do, it’s usually a happier start to the day! Dolly and T-Swift are current favorites in our household, so this one is a nice jam to start the day. Yesterday, my oldest daughter asked, “Who Let the Dogs Out?” so Tuesday kicked off unlike any other.
Seasonal playfulness: running through a sprinkler! With summer fast approaching, running through a sprinkler (preferably with friends) is sure to make you giggle, and your shoulders drop a bit—unless it’s too cold, so don’t do that!
Dress up! I loved dressing up as a child, and that translates into how I dress as a grownup. I try not to overthink things, have fun, and be comfortable! I’ve got my eye on this happy stripe set for summer!
And now for more held happenings…
TOMORROW: Convos & Candy - Let’s Play! - THURSDAY, MAY 16th, · 6-8 PM @ Belleflower Brewing Company
Research says that play has a multitude of benefits, including sparking creativity, relaxation, and mental acuity. Join Jess Barzell, Pilates instructor, dancer, artist, and play guru, for an incredibly fun evening that will inspire us all to be more playful.
Join financial advisors Michelle Santiago Esq., CFP®, and Molly Reinfried, CFP®, for an evening discussion and tutorial on the financial mistakes we’ve all made and steps to gain control of personal finances and well-being. No financial knowledge is required! Before we delve in, we’ll loosen up, dance, and have some fun with instructor Maggy Bassingthwaite.
Surrounded by female founders and business owners, attendees will hear stories about how these entrepreneurs took an idea or passion, overcame their fears and perceived obstacles, and took steps to turn their idea into a business plan. Those attending will also work together to solve a local female-owned business problem, learn how to write a business plan, and put pen to paper to their own business plan. This event is for anyone curious about what it takes to be an entrepreneur who wants to experience solving a real-life business problem and who is eager to learn more about the first steps to starting a business.
Communication and sexual empowerment - THURSDAY, JULY 25 · 7-9 PM @ O’MAINE STUDIOS
Join Jennifer Wiessner, a Social Worker and Sex Therapist, for an educational tutorial on why we might struggle to talk about sex and how to change that. With this thought-provoking tutorial, attendees will feel less burdened, acquire knowledge on how to improve connection and leave with additional resources to help support them on their journey.
SHOUT OUTS
This section is a quick shout-out to women who inspire held!
Not only is Jess Barzell a pilates instructor and play guru, but she also creates ceramics, prints, and jewelry. Her beautiful porcelain creations and Nerikomi styles can be found at https://www.barzellpilates.com/art, and her Etsy shop is coming soon!
CLASSIFIEDS
JOB ALERT - Seeking Part-Time Position - Admin/Assistant to the Director of Operations of a commercial real estate management company on Washington Avenue. In-person, 6-12hr/wk time commitment (flexible schedule). Work directly with the Director of Operations to help update and organize vendor and tenant information and invoices related to the business's day-to-day operations. Pay $25-30/hr. Send resume/ inquiries to info@daytonpg.com
Need to promote your upcoming event, a new business venture, looking to be connected to other community members for job possibilities, an exercise bud, volunteering, a babysitter, etc. Reach out to us, and we will be happy to include your information here!