Games Day
I was going to suggest that if there is one thing that seems hardwired in our own species, it is the propensity to play games. But anyone who has spent any amount of time with other species knows that playing itself is an activity that lots of species engage in. Dogs and cats are terrific game-players, for example. But so are lots of other people!
Sometimes the games are complex with lots of rules and equipment, like the many video games or online role-playing games. Sometimes they are as simple as pattycake or hopscotch. It can be as minimal and impulsive as “Race you to the end of the field!”
Sometimes there’s no competition involved; it can be as basic as splashing around in a pool with a friend. You splash me, I splash you! One of my most treasured memories is of playing with wild dolphins off the coast of New Zealand. They came up and swam so close I could feel the ripples in the water as they skillfully whooshed by my wet-suited body, as though they were saying, “Come and play, you funky black fish!”
Games and play are good for the soul. There’s even a branch of therapy called Play Therapy that uses play to foster joyful and healthy relationships, often among family members. Sometimes games are used, and sometimes a more freeform kind of playing, and creating. Whatever the game, the point is to play!
This time of year can be lots of fun and full of celebration and good times with friends and family. And it can seem frantic and fraught.
If you find yourself drifting into the latter feelings, we suggest you pause and play a game. Any game, whether long and complicated or short and silly.