There is something about play as both a construct and an action that is so intuitive. No one has to specifically teach a child how to play. Yes, we often find children mimicking the world around them and taking the lead from an adult, but play is an intrinsic part of who we are as humans.

The ability to engage in an activity purely for the “fun factor” rather than for a serious purpose fascinates me, both personally and as a researcher. Last year, I did an in-depth study on outdoor play in children, specifically looking at play from a global perspective.

Guess what I found?

There are distinct “play motifs”, or patterns, that emerge when children are given the opportunity to free play in an outdoor setting. Despite cultural differences and variations within the landscape itself, children tend to gravitate towards certain types of activities in their outdoor environments. David Sobel, a renowned outdoor researcher, describes these “play motifs” in his book Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Principles and Educators (2008).

Here is my personal connection:

As an adult, I find that I follow similar “play motifs” when I give myself the ability to explore outside, freeing myself from an agenda or task. For instance, one thing I love to do falls under the category of hunting and gathering. When I’m walking in nature, I often meander, finding interesting things that I keep in my pockets, even if just for a few minutes: a curly piece of birch bark, small wild flowers, a smooth acorn cap. Gathering these fun items is a type of play that provides me an immeasurable feeling of joy.

Another type of play I follow is known as special places. I find fallen down trees that I can walk across, and then tentatively explore their decaying matter. I name areas that I frequently visit, coming up with fantastical stories that connect everything into a larger scheme. Weird? Perhaps. But to me, it is oh-so fun and I wouldn’t change my nature play for the world! Animal allies is another “play motif” that children naturally follow. I’ve recently begun to notice birds more, even sneaking close enough to watch one’s heart beat as he (she?) sat curled up under a bush. Colorful caterpillars make me smile, stop, and observe.

When work grinds to a halt and technology becomes old (because yes – it does), take time to play. If you don’t have children, all the more freedom for you to enjoy the world around you without restraint! Get outside today without a purpose; see what happens.

The possibilities just might surprise you.