Stillness 11-29: I got out some old games we used to play, thinking that it might be a good time to give them away. I discovered a board game from when I was young, a long time ago: Snakes and Ladders. My brother and I used to play it over and over (it was the only board game we owned). We’d roll the dice and land on a little yellow square that either enticed us up a ladder toward victory or (more frequently) made us slide down a slippery, slithery snake to begin our arduous journey again. I remember our groans, our delight, our obsession with this board game—there was a magic to it. The snakes seemed like characters in a book and even the ladders had personality.
Sometimes we forget how much fun it is to play games. Not just a competitive game of poker or a serious game of bridge, but a game that makes us feel playful. The word “play” originates in the Old English plegian, which meant “to move lightly and quickly; amuse oneself; frolic.” It’s also the source of Middle Dutch pleyen, which meant “to rejoice, be glad.”
The idea that play is the opposite of work didn’t come into play (haha) until the late 14th century. Its meaning of performing on stage came about around then too and its meaning of “making a move” (chess) or “laying on the table” (cards) is from the 1500s.
Nowadays, “play” is one of those words that’s used in all kinds of ways. We play for keeps, (originally meaning that if we win we get to keep the marbles). We play it safe. We might play second fiddle. Or play into the hands of someone. Are you ready to play the field? Are you going to play fair?
Play reminds us that having fun is a serious business. Don’t neglect it for the sake of stressful work or family obligations or your loneliness. You’re never too busy to find time to play—take that seriously. And if you’re alone, you can still play—get out your jump-rope or your juggling balls. Learn new card games you can play by yourself. Getting crafty, with felt, glitter, or paint, is a form of play too. One of the aspects of playfulness is lightness of heart. Play is fun. Play is its own reward. Feel the exhilaration of climbing the ladder and the frustration of sliding down a snake—feel all of it. Stamp your foot, shout for joy, cry, yell, frolic, pat yourself on your back, and cheer