Independent – Play
Google Office in Zurich
I travel and teach theatre programs in many different kinds of venues: schools, private and public, theatre companies, small businesses, conventions, etc. In all of these venues we find a common theme, it’s really difficult to play. Somehow and somewhere we have lost our ability to play freely without judgment. I’m amazed at the amount of times I need to remind students, of any age, that they have an open opportunity to play within these exercises. They still feel closed off, shut down and simply not willing to let themselves go.
We played this game today in class . The students were very reserved and sitting back with their energy. They really didn’t put forth any effort. It took constant reminders to connect with fellow classmates, get energized and commit in order start to playing. At the end, the students observed the game became fun, we could all hear and enjoy the giggling. Playfulness appeared when hesitation and judgment ceased.
I think about businesses that have begun to institute less rigid work environments with ping pong tables and dart boards in their offices. How is this effecting the process and product? Can we play and still get work done? Do these things have to be separate? I know that when I can find how to love what I do then it’s all play.
SELF OBSERVATIONS
1. What is “play” to you?
2. When did the definition of “play” change for you from childhood to now?
3. What prevents you from “playing” inside every task?