ABSTRACT
Most of us are familiar with the mental freezing which can accompany the pressure to achieve a particular goal, whether it is a self-imposed goal or set by somebody else. We long for the time and space to think, to let our minds wander around a problem, to explore different possibilities, to relax enough to let surprising thoughts occur, to be creative. Simply, we need to play. Play is not a mindless filling of time or a rest from work. It is a spontaneous and active process in which thinking, feeling and doing can flourish since they are separated from the fear of failure or disastrous consequences. The player is freed to be inventive and creative. Play is a way of assimilating new information and making it part of ourselves. In the process we change ourselves and our view of the world. We dare to change because our autonomy is not challenged or threatened. On the contrary, the process of playing gives the glorious sensation of increased autonomy. Play can be deeply satisfying.
