Why would adults play? Isn’t that a waste of time?
My friends, Olaf and Jamie, invited me to an InterPlay workshop. After quick introductions, the group of us started off with “warm up” exercises. (If you haven’t used your play muscles in a long time, you might strain them.) Stretching, playful, free movements loosened the body from the conventional stiffness. Vocal exercises warmed up the voice. At first, I felt a little silly, somewhat self-conscious, but then … everyone else is doing it. As we eased into this thing called play, I began to feel safe and supported to just be myself. (Wow! When was the last time I did that?)
Then, we played with story prompts that eased us in with “if I were to tell a story today, I would talk about …” I began to relax. As we shared stories in the large group and then the smaller group, I began to feel connected to the group. We were swapping our stories. I could feel the “InterPlay” with all the other participants as we co-created this experience of fun and laughter.
How can you do this weekly without getting bored? There is a whole catalog of different warm ups and exercises to keep the meetings fresh. All of the activities are invitational. It’s always okay to watch or take a break. InterPlay offers a healing environment to explore movement, creativity, fun.
I’ve taken vacations from work that I called “playtime,” but sometimes I return home exhausted. In contrast, InterPlay left me inspired and energized.
If you are in Naples, Florida, consider joining the Naples InterPlay with Jamie and Olaf. Otherwise, look up the national organization for local or online activities, especially during this “International Week of InterPlay.”
Board of Body Wisdom
The national organization trains InterPlay leaders, keeps the leaders connected, and offers life practice programs for “untensive” immersion in InterPlay. My friends, Olaf and Jamie, got trained by the co-founders, and served on the Board of Body Wisdom, the non-profit organization behind InterPlay.
International Week of InterPlay
To spread the word and solicit donations to keep InterPlay growing, Body Wisdom sponsors the International Week of InterPlay with opportunities to experience many forms of InterPlay for free.
Check out the link, below, to see all the fun events over the week. Perhaps you may want to attend two or three events over the week, experience more fun, affirmation, and vision with different InterPlay groups?
Information and Registration:
Connection! International Week of InterPlay 2020
Sat, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 18, 2020
Free parties, performances, classes, and events in locations all over!
https://www.interplay.org/InternationalWeekofInterPlay2020.htm
