If you look at kids in kindergarten, they may have several table activities to choose from. They start painting a picture, and when they feel tired of it, they move on to the playdough or something else.
My creative process is a lot like this! I usually have between 5 - 10 paintings going at the same time. If I feel like a painting is no longer playful, or I feel a heaviness in making it, I set it to the side and move on. Later I can come back to it with a fresh perspective. The key, then, is to keep playing.
Picasso said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once [they] grow up." I think the way we remain connected to our inner artist is by giving ourselves permission to play.
Being playful can look different for everyone! For you it might mean making something yummy in the kitchen, playing catch in the backyard, blowing bubbles with the kids, or getting out the art supplies and making a mess.
As an adult, play can also stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems. Improve relationships and your connection to others. Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others.
So I hope sometime soon, you'll do something playful, maybe unproductive, and just plain fun!
