September 23-25, 2005
Do you marvel at a child’s ability to just be — spontaneously running, dancing, skipping, making outrageous faces and sounds without self-consciousness, without awareness of what’s “socially appropriate?” Wouldn’t it be delightful to be that free again, with other kids of all ages? Join us as we prove the impossible is possible. Believe in wide-eyed innocence. Giggle till your sides ache from jiggling. Imagine laughing so hard your face hurts and you wet your pants.
Remember when it was so easy and natural to be anything at all? Pretend you’re a giant, a bird, a statue, a wizard, a mountain, a river, a puppy, a robot, a rainstorm. Make up a new language on the spot. Play invisible Frisbee. Cavort through Rowe’s enchanted woods. Discover wildly exuberant natural highs.
Simply put, play is our way of knowing that we are safe and loveable. Put the stresses of everyday life and the cares of the world into perspective. We honor the truth that some people didn’t get to have much of a childhood, because their family circumstances weren’t the best. This playshop may feel particularly scary to you, but there’s deep truth embedded in the adage “it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.” The child inside wants to come out and play and we can light the spark with our treasure chest filled with expressive, inviting, joyful experiences.
The energy of the kids will help lead the way. We’ll use creative movement, non-competitive games, music, relaxation, original play, and imagination to inspire feelings of joy, celebration, and aliveness. Come alone and make new friends or bring friends and family with whom you’d love to play. Bring something – a costume, or anything else —that’s uniquely you, or vastly out of character. We see kids under six as teachers of us all, but not quite ready for this experience. And groan-ups over 106 might also want to consider whether they’re ready to have this much fun. Life does have a few limits, but not nearly as many as we impose on ourselves. The invitation is open — come be a part of our community of play.
Jeanne Bassis and Howard Moody are play-peer-pals who share a commitment to creating a more peaceful world through play. Jeanne has a master’s degree in special education and started PlayReflections® in 1987 after discovering the power of play to transform adults. She’s worked in traditional and alternative settings with children of all ages and taught at Kripalu Center for 15 years. Her playshops reflect her philosophy that “life’s adventures unfold magically when people feel good about themselves.” See more at her website: http://www.playreflections.com
Howard Moody loves play, which he believes is magic given by the universe so we can relate to all living beings. He’s created LifePlay, co-founded Adventure Game Theatre®, and he’s been on the core faculty of Omega Institute for 16 years. LifePlay is an educational and consulting firm specializing in unique fun and engaging presentations. His Adventure Game Theatre, featured on PBS, creates incredible mythic experiences filled with action. Kids over six are welcome at half your cost for the first, 1/3rd for the second, and 1/4th for the rest. We hope you’ll all join the fun.
“Play is when we don’t know we are different from each other.”
— David, aged five ”
We do not quit playing because we grow old - we grow old because we quit playing.”
—Oliver Wendell Holmes”
Ten minutes into Jeanne Bassis’ workshop on play and creativity, professionals are gasping in hilarity, rubbery as a troupe of toy gumbys and giggling like three year olds.”
— Boston Globe
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than a year of conversation.” —Plato