The Power of Play: Building Stronger Bonds and Breaking Down Barriers in Community
As a kid, playing recess was the best. It was a nice break after doing school work, but then we got older and stopped doing it.
I recall playing dodgeball, basketball, musical chairs and even having sandbox time. All of those were great ways to stimulate my senses as a child.
It’s how I made my closest friends which I still remain in touch with to this day, And it was all thanks to play!
Let’s dive into how integrating play can break up stiff group dynamics.
Play is the great equalizer.
When my family gets together for christmas we play musical chairs and I love seeing the energy change as the music plays, there’s only two people left and people are chanting with excitement.
It’s great for our non-family guests too because we get to see them look ridiculous for a few moments and later we all bond over it!
Try playing it at the next corporate meeting and watch how fast people become kids again.
Play bring people together regardless of age or background. It breaks down social barriers and allows for genuine interactions and connections to form
Creating Atmosphere through Senses
When I went to a Travis Scott concert, I realized it’s a highly supernatural sensory experience. Travis does a great job at leading the audience, from the moment you arrive he leads and you await for his arrival in mystery. The audience awaits in dark lighting with ominious music in the background and the air is electric.
There’s something supernatural to be said of the experience of being in a large group of humans, chanting and clapping the same lyrics in unison. A large expansion of energy occurs when people unite and do this.
It’s something we don’t study enough.
The same thing can be experienced in group Prayer, club raves, large protests — an energy expansion, reality warp forcefield that rewires our interactions at a cosmic level.
By integrating games that require synchronized actions of clapping, stomping, chants — this energy expansion can be recreated in our own communities.
Examples like “Simon Says” and “What time is it Mr.Wolf?” come to mind.
Breaking down barriers
Play has the power to break down barriers and foster connection between individuals who might not otherwise interact. When we engage in playful activities, we let go of our inhibitions and become more open to others. By being vulnerable we display strength. It breaks down the walls of social hierarchy and allows for genuine interactions and friendships to form. Whether it’s through a game of charades, a team-building exercise, or a fun icebreaker activity, play can bridge the gap between people and create lasting bonds. Being vulnerable is a sign of courage and strength.
In summary, integrating play into our communities can have powerful effects in building stronger bonds and breaking down barriers. Play acts as the great equalizer, bringing people together and reminding us of our inner child. It creates an atmosphere through our senses, evoking emotions and connecting us on a deeper level. Play also breaks down barriers by fostering genuine interactions and friendships, allowing for vulnerability and genuine connections to form. By embracing play and its power, we can create lasting bonds and strengthen our communities.
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