San Pedro de Saño is a relatively rural town around half an hour outside of Huancayo. One of its poorest neighborhoods is filled with immigrants from Huancavelica, the poorest province in Peru. There, everyone knows each other, many are intricately related to each other, and children play freely in the streets.
These kids were having a swinging and jumping-off-the-swing contest.When I visited, a little 8-year-old girl appointed herself to be my tour guide and playmate. I realized that I don’t remember what my playground days were like. Did I sit on a swing with my best friend and gossip with her about classmates like I did today with my new friend? The little girl told me about the playful dog and the one that bites, how she usually only plays with one girl because the other two girls bother her in class, and how the teacher didn’t punish her when she beat-up an 8-year-old boy to defend her 7-year-old friend from being bullied.
She taught me how to go down the slide facedown and showed me how fast she could climb up the simple jungle gym, sliding easily down the fireman’s pole. “Let’s see how fast I can do it!” she said as she climbed and slid until she was out of breath. Then, we jumped up and down, laughing, on the seesaw; she took the side with the broken seat panel because she was used to it.
My little friend taught me a new way to slide.I watched the kids play jacks and pogs on the sidewalk. Then, they played jacks and pogs on the roof of the school until they finally got a hold of the rope they were waiting patiently for from the adults who were using it for construction. The eldest of the group and older brother of my little friend led the way to the tree where he shuffled directly up the thin and smooth-barked tree trunk over 20 feet high, I don’t know how, to hang the rope over the top offshoot. They tied a branch to the end of the rope and used it as a makeshift hanging trapeze, jumping from one side of the ridge to the other.
All the kids were daring enough to try the hanging trapeze contraption.As impressed as I was by their ingenuity, I was even more impressed by my little friend. Whenever there was a spare moment, she always found a way to entertain herself and always with the widest smile on her face. “Here I am, dancing,” she would say. “Dance with me!” And later, I would find her spinning around in circles with her arms open to the air, giggling hysterically at how dizzy she felt afterward.
What I want to learn from these children in Peru is how to truly find joy in each moment, to make the best of any situation, to be resourceful, and to harness playful creativity.
Do you incorporate play into your life? Why or why not? If so, how?
So nice to see that there are some kids that are still able to have fun without the need of gadgets. These days, kids are more engrossed entertaining themselves with electronic stuff that they hardly do anything outdoors. I guess that’s why there are a lot more kids these days that are struggling with obesity and other conditions that were considered to be rare back when I was a kid (not so long ago).
I hear ya on that one, Adeline! I can hardly remember playing outside as much as these kids! And you bring up a good point about the health concerns of all the screen time and inactivity. I hope we all learn to play more!
Great topic again, Samantha. Today, I purposely went down town to meet a friend who just returned from China, just for a cup of coffee and chit chat, on his early morning jogging, on my hill hiking and opportunities in China. This is to get away from the routine, to “change the mind set, from work”, like what I do almost every evening, after 5 pm, to go to the gym, hill hiking or have a beer with friends or clients. This is what the Japanese usually do, after 5 pm, have a beer or two with colleagues, a culture in Japan, so as to “change the mind set, from working” , I was told so.. In that sense, I consider incorporating such activities into my life on a regularly basis, as play. Otherwise, life would be too routine and boring.
I hadn’t thought about that, Sang Eng! It’s not just about play, but also about breaking out of routine for freshness. I noticed that custom in Japan about drinking about work as well, but I learned that it was more about businesses — that the real business happens when work hours are over and when alcohol allows them to speak more freely than their culture typically allows.
Hi Samantha, What a wonderful article! I love reading about children who find joy in life through their own imaginations. I agree with Adeline, electronics can strip our kids’ ability to discover fun ways to amuse themselves.
I am reminded, though, of a week I spent at my grandparent’s house when I was 12. My seven year old brother and I were sent there to protect us from catching our sister’s mononucleosis. Our only toy was a ball. That’s it. Boredom does not begin to describe that experience.
That’s exactly it, Carolyn! Using electronics can be considered play too, but are they encouraging creativity and resourcefulness? Less argument for that!
Haha! =) But then again, there are also moments when our creativity can only go so far, I guess, as in your example. =) Hilarious!
Ah, what a wonderful post Samantha and I’m so glad you had such a great time with these kids. That takes me back to my childhood.
We played outside, built forts in the woods, slid down creek beds on cardboard box tops, road our bikes playing hide and go seek and jumped on our trampoline. Not a care in the world and no need to even lock your doors. Those were the days.
I don’t play as much these days but I have a lot more days behind me then left in front of me. I’ve lived my life fully and although I still have a good time, it’s just not the same kind of fun. 🙂
Wow! =) I’m loving the childhood you describe, Adrienne! I wish I had that much nature near where I lived, although my neighbor did have a trampoline and we do have a trampoline at my home in Vancouver right now. Wish I could take advantage of it when I’m back in December, but it’ll be too cold. =P
I also love how you say: “not a care in the world.” That’s really the essence that I got from these children that I wasn’t able to express in words.
And in the end, it’s about living our lives fully as you say. Thanks for the reminder. =)
There is so much we can learn from children! It seems you found some really sweet ones. This is a really uplifting post Samantha. Thanks for sharing this experince. It reminds me of when I was young and my mom would say ‘it’s a lovely day, get outside and play.’ Summer, fall or winter out we went! There were no plans, we just created our fun with whatever or whomever we came across.
Good memories to think of.
These kids were really the sweetest ever, Bonnie! =) You’re so lucky your parents encouraged you to play outside. It wasn’t really a value in our family, although we did get out every now and again. =) I love reminiscing on those days too! =)
Oh Samantha, if I could get those days back; I’d play, play, play like there was no tomorrow. 🙂
I’m glad to hear that you had an enjoyable time. It is so wonderful to be able to see the world from the eyes of a child; even if for just a moment. It’s a freedom that I know is sometimes hard to explain, but you nailed it, Chica.
At this point in my life there aren’t many children around me, but the neighborhood kids. And let’s just say the lack of respect they have for those senior to them, leaves me not wanting to see the world in their eyes at all. I don’t blame them though; I know that their behavior is a reflection of those that parent them. I do wish it was different though, because I really do love kids.
Hopefully one of these days I’ll be able to say that Tim and I are in the process of adopting. That would be so awesome to me.
Anywho, I really enjoyed this post, my friend. Thank you for sharing it and showing us even more of your free spirited self. 🙂
Hey, I hadn’t thought of it that way, Deeone! I almost don’t remember what play was like for me as a child anymore. =P So I really did appreciate being able to experience this through their eyes.
The teacher at the small primary school I visited talked a lot about the differences between the kids here and the kids in the “city” where I live right now. Many are as you describe the kids in your neighborhood — kids who lack respect and seek trouble. There was definitely a certain innocence about the kids I made friends with in San Pedro. =)
Wow! That would be exciting! =) Can’t wait to be a blogging aunt. =)
I recently posted on play myself and it ended up being our most successful post to date. I like seeing the lighter side of life and you captured it perfectly here as well.
I hope all is going well with you. Let me know if there is anything I can do with you.
Thanks so much, Bryce! I loved that post on play that you wrote and I can see how it became so successful. =) I think we all struggle a bit (or a lot) to find that balance in our lives, which I think is why your blog attracts so many readers! =)
Isn’t it great how kids can find so much joy with so little, and how they can make the bast out of their lives without adults screwing it up for them. That’s a great question that you ask Samantha because, as adults, we often take ourselves way too seriously and need to lighten up. I still build model catr, a hobby that I began as a kid and which, I guess, can be considered a form of play. I find it to be a great and care free diversion and escape that provides me with a simple pleasure that still helps me to feel young. Too bad we all have to grow old some day.What’s your answer ,Samantha, to your question?
That’s exactly what I love about kids too, Vinny! These kids found so much joy with… nothing. =)
How cool that you build model cars! I used to love helping my dad build model ships. =)
Hmm! I think I incorporate play with the acrobatics that I practice, falling and rolling around on the grass. =) I also like to play with my cats a lot. They’re the best distractors! =)
It brought back my old childhood memories when we were just wild and carefree like these wonderful kids. I loved the fact that your new friend was just letting-go of herself, so unlike the kids nowadays, who prefer sitting on the computers, or remaining more indoors with other tasks.
They loose out much by not being one-to-one with nature, by not releasing their energies, and the playfulness just seems to vanish from their lives. I clearly remember the slides and swings that were an all time favorite at our end as well. My sister and our common friends, all used to wait for our turns to sit on the swings, and we used to count the number of minutes when the other used to get the next chance!
Similarly, the slides were inviting and the longer their length the greater the fun. Oh- these wonderful pictures sure took me back in time- my good old school days 🙂
Yes indeed, some kids do teach us to find joy in each moment and make the best of any situation by being content and happy. We need to learn a great deal from them.
Yeah, that’s what I loved about her too, Harleena! =) She wasn’t self-conscious at all and did whatever made her happy without needing technology. It’s a whole different kind of “playfulness” when it comes to computer or video games.
Haha! You were so good at being fair and sharing as a kid! =) I love your description of your school days and wish I could have experienced it as you did. =)
I guess it’s true that all we really need to know, we learned in kindergarten. We adults do have a thing or two to learn from kids.
Looking at those pictures takes me back a hundred years to when I used to love hanging out in the playground. Sliding face down? That’s something new. I hope my daughter never learns that!
At my age, I do get to be a child whenever I play with my daughter. Sometimes, we just dance to any kind of music. And we do love to improvise and let our imaginations run wild.
Haha! I hadn’t thought about it that way, Pepper! =) As adults, we can often be so stuck in thinking that we know better that we don’t even consider how much wisdom kids have just the way they are. =)
Haha! =) Yeah, sliding face down seemed kind of dangerous to me too. =P
Aww! You’re so right! When we have our own children, it’s almost a welcome excuse to be playful all over again. =) Your daughter is lucky to have such a creative mom like you! =)
Hi Sam,
I can relate so well to this post because I have 4 nieces and a nephew all below the age of 7. I often babysit my twin nieces who are almost 3 years ago and love it because they show me how to go about life as they want, without any fear of what others think or any misconceptions they have which have been taught to them.
They have such an incredible imagination and as they are two of them you can see how they interact among themselves. They also make it a point to include their aunt and while my job is babysitting, it’s more like becoming a kid again and just having fun. On days when I am tired, I even make my way there because they remind me that life is supposed to be fun and lived the way I want 🙂
Wow! You must have the most hilarious time when your nieces and nephew are all together. =) Toddlerhood almost seems like the most fun stage of life! And I love how you underline fearlessness and no self-consciousness. Those are two qualities I seek and struggle with.
I’m so glad you often have this excuse to be a kid again! =) And thank *you* for the reminder that “life is supposed to be fun and lived the way I want”! =)
Christer, it’s so great to meet you through the group and I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Your right that this post is so relevant to yours. Excited to head over and share my thoughts there too. =)
I think we can all learn a thing or two from these kids! I agree with Adeline too, it is nice to see them using their imagination and having fun without gadgets. Great post Samantha!
Love the post. And the fact that you included pictures makes even better. Nice to see these kids in action 🙂
It’s funny, just yesterday my youngest son (almost 12) was really riding me because I limit his time on the computer and especially video games. His argument was that many of his friend are gaming all the time. Oh, well. Those are the rules, kid 😉 Within minutes he was writing another story and he likes to make his own movies with the flipcam. Funny how getting away from electronic devices can bring forth more creative pursuits, huh?
Love you blog and will definitely be back for more. Thanks, Samantha.
WOW! That’s a true success story, Craig! Thanks for sharing that! =) Maybe I should try this with my younger brother. He has tons of ideas for a book he wants to write, but he spends so much time on the computer that he never gets anything out! I’ll have to tell him about your son. =)
Haha! =) I can imagine you on the trapeze, JD! =) And good point about movement — whether it was dancing or spinning, I imagine my new friend was having the time of her life with all those endorphins running around. =)
Yes I do incorporate play with my life, I guess playing is how i make my life balance. I do that by doing sport or playing games. Whenever, i feel tired from working or studying, I take a break and actually play 🙂
Faissal, thanks so much for stopping by and it’s so great to meet you! =) Funny how no one has brought up sports yet — it’s the perfect way to “play” and be part of the community even as adults. I’ll always admire some of my friends’ parents who still play soccer to this day!
Sweet post! We all need to keep the child inside alive and well 🙂 As my friend Stuart reminds me, there’s a big difference between childish and child-like. To be child-like is to play, to wonder, to be curious, and to enjoy the simple things.
Personally I love going to the park to swing on the swings : ) I hate tickle games (when I’m on the wrong end of them) but some people still seem to want to get me to play them! I also hate tea-towel-flicking games as I’m always the one that gets hurt!
Of course, now you have me thinking. Summer has just hit hear – I think I feel the call for water balloon fights!
That’s something I hadn’t done for so long! Parks with swings are usually reserved for schools in guarded grounds. Wish they were more accessible here. =P I should take advantage of the public swings they have in Vancouver! =)
Haha! =) I’ve also avoided tickle and tea-towel-flicking games. =P Totally had me laughing there imagining you running away from the tea towels. =P
I love the way kids make up their own games when they don’t have much or entertainment or electronic gizmos. Reminds me of the kids we saw in Belize. Funny how they do look happier than kids who have everything.
I can so imagine how it was probably similar in Beliza, Sonia! =) Hope I helped you bring up good memories and I so agree that they often seem/look happier than kids who can get all that they want!
Glad to know that you’re still a kid at heart. Keep up with those acrobatics, but be careful. Don’t hurt yourself and ruin your planned trip[ back home for the holidays
Reminds me of what being a child is really like – the freedom of playing on the jungle jim, going down the slide head first, a broken seesaw, making up games as you go along. Without hovering adults telling you to watch out, or this or that isn’t safe to play on. Without constant supervision so that you can just be the child you are and not the child that adults want you to be, which is the case all too often in this country of overprotective parents and society.
Ooh! That’s a good distinction, Pennie! Many parents these days are more protective than in the past. From early on, we’re already programmed to be extra safe and not take any chances. Maybe this is what can stifle true creativity in the future. =P
Lovely and touching post, Sam, thanks for sharing and reminding us to let the child within us come forward to play!
I remember childhood Sundays in a forest with family and friends, whilst the adults prepared the food and lit a fire for the BBQ, we were allowed to roam free but ordered not to light a fire! Of course not, but I can reassure you the forest still exists! We built huts and told each other tales of giants hidden behind some rocks, waiting to catch one of us, the outcome was never clear: did they plan to eat us or enslave us? We came home dirty and tired but fuelled with energy.
I find the same attitude in that girl you so lovingly described – time to let the child come forth again!
I love that image of you as a child in a forest. =) A good friend of mine has a little forest on his land here near Vancouver and when I took a walk through it, I imagined growing up in it as a child. Haha! =) Love the tales you invented and the taste of your own childhood. =)
Swings – one of our best inventions. “How do you like to go up in a swing, Up in the air so blue? Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing Ever a child can do!” I have two – one on each side of the house.
Oh! I had no idea that Robert Louis Stevenson had written that. =) What beautiful lines and I absolutely love that image of having swings at home! I think I shall plan that into my future too! =) Thanks for the idea, Thom!
Wow, that is really cool Samantha. I can remember being a little kid, and how easy it was to entertain ourselves. I wonder why most of us lose track of that?
Anyhow, this is inspiration to find something to bring joy into our lives in each moment. If nothing else – why not dance?
I know eh! I know that I have a harder time inventing stories and games when I’m bored. =P Being with these kids was the perfect way to stir my imagination and creativity again! =) You should find kids on your mail route, Fred. =)
Glad to be back!! This reminds me of the time when my nephew and niece came to visit us! We had to become kids with them… play like them, run about carefree and just glow in their energy!
Things like this make us forget the current “tension” we are in and let’s us be ourselves!
Loved the post and the pictures to go with the story! I could feel the fun you had on that playground!
I recently wrote a post on a similar theme which I’ll set Comment Luv to link to at the bottom of my comment in case you want to read it Sam as we obviously think alike on this important topic.
I love how you said that you want to “find joy in each moment, to make the best of any situation, to be resourceful, and to harness playful creativity.”
This is indeed what children do naturally and which we then sadly lose as we get older. Play is a wonderful release mechanism which helps us to distract ourselves and in doing so we we relax our usually constricted vibration. As we do this we allow life to flow to us endlessly and effortlessly.
One of the best ways I incorporate play into my life Sam is by playing with animals. I do a lot of house sitting for friends who have animals so I get plenty of opportunity to play with cats and dogs apart form my own. 🙂
Haha! I’m so glad you could feel the fun of it all, Marcus! I was afraid it wouldn’t be expressed through my post with all those dark pictures. These are the moments I wish I were a better photographer. =P
Can’t wait to read your post! I need any reminder and encouragement I can get to be more kid-like in my life, actions, and thoughts! I can almost envision my body trapped in that “constricted vibration” you describe and welcome strategies to counter it!
Aww! I hadn’t thought about how pets make such a difference! You’re right that the two cats in my life make everything alright in the end. =) That has me thinking of studies that show that pets have a calming effect. =)
This post brought me back to my childhood, and resonates with me to this day. I remember days of playing hide and seek until the street lights came on. Of having plum fights…picking plums off the ground and pelting each other with glee. Of walking on rickety fences, pretending we were on tightropes and seeing who could stay on the longest. Of teeter totters and swings and jungle gyms and carousels. Of making mud pies, eating snow and cracking ice on the surface of puddles with our ugly brown galoshes with the silver buckle.
THIS is what childhood should be all about. Creative play, fun, activity and glee. AND…this is what we, in adulthood, should keep. Not just memories, but PLAY.
Great, wonderful, inspiring post Samantha:) Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina, I am so ecstatic about your positive feedback with this post! =) I absolutely love imagining you playing hide & seek outdoors, participating in plum fights (completely new to me), walking on fences, making mud pies, and playground hopping! =) Those are tons of amazing ideas I can take to the rural town with me. =) Maybe they’ll be surprised by my own “innovation.” =)
I wholeheartedly agree that this is what both childhood and adulthood should be about! Thanks so much for identifying! =)
Sam, you described it so well that I really felt their joy and carefree spirit! Life is so much simpler from the eyes of children. Why must we all complicate it? Oh well…..Anyway, thank you for such a fun yet insightful post!
Glad you found your inner kid Sam! I think that these kid (and your little guide) are doing exactly what children should do: they play!
As for me, I don’t play much. Actually, I have become much too serious. Your post made it even clearer!
There’s an expression we used to use quite often a few years ago — “Work hard: play hard.” To me, however, it denotes aggressive work and aggressive play. I think we’ve lost the childlike innocence of being able to play like we did when we were children, especially those of us who did not have much growing up. We had to be creative in what we were given, and we were. I can imagine how creative children were who were brought up in the late 1800s, early 1900s in the U.S. where it was rare for anyone but the rich to have the modern toys and games of the day. Children were imaginative, using whatever they found lying around. They used sticks as guns and feathers from animals to play cowboys and Indians. They had contests skipping rocks or hanging a rope over a river to see who could swing out the farthest. The less children were given to play with, the more creative they became in their play activity. Makes you wonder if we need to regularly dial down a bit and learn how to creatively play again …
I hadn’t thought about the connotations of that expression, Sherry! Playing became less carefree somehow. You describe the creativity so well in how simple objects can be imagined into new roles or no objects may be needed at all. I call for more creative play! =)
Adeline
So nice to see that there are some kids that are still able to have fun without the need of gadgets. These days, kids are more engrossed entertaining themselves with electronic stuff that they hardly do anything outdoors. I guess that’s why there are a lot more kids these days that are struggling with obesity and other conditions that were considered to be rare back when I was a kid (not so long ago).
Samantha Bangayan
I hear ya on that one, Adeline! I can hardly remember playing outside as much as these kids! And you bring up a good point about the health concerns of all the screen time and inactivity. I hope we all learn to play more!
Erica
I miss doing these! Thanks for the post! I think I should try bringing the kid in me out sometimes as well!
Samantha Bangayan
Me too, Erica! I didn’t realized I missed it until I got on that swing. =) Thanks so much for commenting! =)
sangeng wong
Great topic again, Samantha. Today, I purposely went down town to meet a friend who just returned from China, just for a cup of coffee and chit chat, on his early morning jogging, on my hill hiking and opportunities in China. This is to get away from the routine, to “change the mind set, from work”, like what I do almost every evening, after 5 pm, to go to the gym, hill hiking or have a beer with friends or clients. This is what the Japanese usually do, after 5 pm, have a beer or two with colleagues, a culture in Japan, so as to “change the mind set, from working” , I was told so.. In that sense, I consider incorporating such activities into my life on a regularly basis, as play. Otherwise, life would be too routine and boring.
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t thought about that, Sang Eng! It’s not just about play, but also about breaking out of routine for freshness. I noticed that custom in Japan about drinking about work as well, but I learned that it was more about businesses — that the real business happens when work hours are over and when alcohol allows them to speak more freely than their culture typically allows.
Carolyn
Hi Samantha, What a wonderful article! I love reading about children who find joy in life through their own imaginations. I agree with Adeline, electronics can strip our kids’ ability to discover fun ways to amuse themselves.
I am reminded, though, of a week I spent at my grandparent’s house when I was 12. My seven year old brother and I were sent there to protect us from catching our sister’s mononucleosis. Our only toy was a ball. That’s it. Boredom does not begin to describe that experience.
Thanks for bringing joy to my day, Samantha! 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
That’s exactly it, Carolyn! Using electronics can be considered play too, but are they encouraging creativity and resourcefulness? Less argument for that!
Haha! =) But then again, there are also moments when our creativity can only go so far, I guess, as in your example. =) Hilarious!
Adrienne
Ah, what a wonderful post Samantha and I’m so glad you had such a great time with these kids. That takes me back to my childhood.
We played outside, built forts in the woods, slid down creek beds on cardboard box tops, road our bikes playing hide and go seek and jumped on our trampoline. Not a care in the world and no need to even lock your doors. Those were the days.
I don’t play as much these days but I have a lot more days behind me then left in front of me. I’ve lived my life fully and although I still have a good time, it’s just not the same kind of fun. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! =) I’m loving the childhood you describe, Adrienne! I wish I had that much nature near where I lived, although my neighbor did have a trampoline and we do have a trampoline at my home in Vancouver right now. Wish I could take advantage of it when I’m back in December, but it’ll be too cold. =P
I also love how you say: “not a care in the world.” That’s really the essence that I got from these children that I wasn’t able to express in words.
And in the end, it’s about living our lives fully as you say. Thanks for the reminder. =)
Bonnie Copeland
There is so much we can learn from children! It seems you found some really sweet ones. This is a really uplifting post Samantha. Thanks for sharing this experince. It reminds me of when I was young and my mom would say ‘it’s a lovely day, get outside and play.’ Summer, fall or winter out we went! There were no plans, we just created our fun with whatever or whomever we came across.
Good memories to think of.
Samantha Bangayan
These kids were really the sweetest ever, Bonnie! =) You’re so lucky your parents encouraged you to play outside. It wasn’t really a value in our family, although we did get out every now and again. =) I love reminiscing on those days too! =)
Deeone
Oh Samantha, if I could get those days back; I’d play, play, play like there was no tomorrow. 🙂
I’m glad to hear that you had an enjoyable time. It is so wonderful to be able to see the world from the eyes of a child; even if for just a moment. It’s a freedom that I know is sometimes hard to explain, but you nailed it, Chica.
At this point in my life there aren’t many children around me, but the neighborhood kids. And let’s just say the lack of respect they have for those senior to them, leaves me not wanting to see the world in their eyes at all. I don’t blame them though; I know that their behavior is a reflection of those that parent them. I do wish it was different though, because I really do love kids.
Hopefully one of these days I’ll be able to say that Tim and I are in the process of adopting. That would be so awesome to me.
Anywho, I really enjoyed this post, my friend. Thank you for sharing it and showing us even more of your free spirited self. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Hey, I hadn’t thought of it that way, Deeone! I almost don’t remember what play was like for me as a child anymore. =P So I really did appreciate being able to experience this through their eyes.
The teacher at the small primary school I visited talked a lot about the differences between the kids here and the kids in the “city” where I live right now. Many are as you describe the kids in your neighborhood — kids who lack respect and seek trouble. There was definitely a certain innocence about the kids I made friends with in San Pedro. =)
Wow! That would be exciting! =) Can’t wait to be a blogging aunt. =)
Bryce Christiansen
I love this Samantha.
I recently posted on play myself and it ended up being our most successful post to date. I like seeing the lighter side of life and you captured it perfectly here as well.
I hope all is going well with you. Let me know if there is anything I can do with you.
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Bryce! I loved that post on play that you wrote and I can see how it became so successful. =) I think we all struggle a bit (or a lot) to find that balance in our lives, which I think is why your blog attracts so many readers! =)
Vinny T.
Isn’t it great how kids can find so much joy with so little, and how they can make the bast out of their lives without adults screwing it up for them. That’s a great question that you ask Samantha because, as adults, we often take ourselves way too seriously and need to lighten up. I still build model catr, a hobby that I began as a kid and which, I guess, can be considered a form of play. I find it to be a great and care free diversion and escape that provides me with a simple pleasure that still helps me to feel young. Too bad we all have to grow old some day.What’s your answer ,Samantha, to your question?
Samantha Bangayan
That’s exactly what I love about kids too, Vinny! These kids found so much joy with… nothing. =)
How cool that you build model cars! I used to love helping my dad build model ships. =)
Hmm! I think I incorporate play with the acrobatics that I practice, falling and rolling around on the grass. =) I also like to play with my cats a lot. They’re the best distractors! =)
Harleena Singh@Freelance Writer
Loved the post Samantha!
It brought back my old childhood memories when we were just wild and carefree like these wonderful kids. I loved the fact that your new friend was just letting-go of herself, so unlike the kids nowadays, who prefer sitting on the computers, or remaining more indoors with other tasks.
They loose out much by not being one-to-one with nature, by not releasing their energies, and the playfulness just seems to vanish from their lives. I clearly remember the slides and swings that were an all time favorite at our end as well. My sister and our common friends, all used to wait for our turns to sit on the swings, and we used to count the number of minutes when the other used to get the next chance!
Similarly, the slides were inviting and the longer their length the greater the fun. Oh- these wonderful pictures sure took me back in time- my good old school days 🙂
Yes indeed, some kids do teach us to find joy in each moment and make the best of any situation by being content and happy. We need to learn a great deal from them.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Yeah, that’s what I loved about her too, Harleena! =) She wasn’t self-conscious at all and did whatever made her happy without needing technology. It’s a whole different kind of “playfulness” when it comes to computer or video games.
Haha! You were so good at being fair and sharing as a kid! =) I love your description of your school days and wish I could have experienced it as you did. =)
The Pepperrific Life
I guess it’s true that all we really need to know, we learned in kindergarten. We adults do have a thing or two to learn from kids.
Looking at those pictures takes me back a hundred years to when I used to love hanging out in the playground. Sliding face down? That’s something new. I hope my daughter never learns that!
At my age, I do get to be a child whenever I play with my daughter. Sometimes, we just dance to any kind of music. And we do love to improvise and let our imaginations run wild.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I hadn’t thought about it that way, Pepper! =) As adults, we can often be so stuck in thinking that we know better that we don’t even consider how much wisdom kids have just the way they are. =)
Haha! =) Yeah, sliding face down seemed kind of dangerous to me too. =P
Aww! You’re so right! When we have our own children, it’s almost a welcome excuse to be playful all over again. =) Your daughter is lucky to have such a creative mom like you! =)
BrowsingRome
Hi Sam,
I can relate so well to this post because I have 4 nieces and a nephew all below the age of 7. I often babysit my twin nieces who are almost 3 years ago and love it because they show me how to go about life as they want, without any fear of what others think or any misconceptions they have which have been taught to them.
They have such an incredible imagination and as they are two of them you can see how they interact among themselves. They also make it a point to include their aunt and while my job is babysitting, it’s more like becoming a kid again and just having fun. On days when I am tired, I even make my way there because they remind me that life is supposed to be fun and lived the way I want 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! You must have the most hilarious time when your nieces and nephew are all together. =) Toddlerhood almost seems like the most fun stage of life! And I love how you underline fearlessness and no self-consciousness. Those are two qualities I seek and struggle with.
I’m so glad you often have this excuse to be a kid again! =) And thank *you* for the reminder that “life is supposed to be fun and lived the way I want”! =)
Betsy Cross
Beautiful, Samantha!
I have children and continually look to them to reteach me how to play and to live in the moment! Thanks for the reminder.
Betsy
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I can imagine that’s what so great about having kids in the home! =) Thank *you* for the beautiful reminder too, Betsy! =)
Christer Edman
Thanks Samantha! Your posting is excellent and express why the Social is more important than media. Appreciate you have something to say and share it.
Samantha Bangayan
Christer, it’s so great to meet you through the group and I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Your right that this post is so relevant to yours. Excited to head over and share my thoughts there too. =)
Sandy
I think we can all learn a thing or two from these kids! I agree with Adeline too, it is nice to see them using their imagination and having fun without gadgets. Great post Samantha!
Samantha Bangayan
Definitely, Sandy! I’m working on developing my imagination. It comes less naturally to me. =P
Craig McBreen
Hi Samantha,
Love the post. And the fact that you included pictures makes even better. Nice to see these kids in action 🙂
It’s funny, just yesterday my youngest son (almost 12) was really riding me because I limit his time on the computer and especially video games. His argument was that many of his friend are gaming all the time. Oh, well. Those are the rules, kid 😉 Within minutes he was writing another story and he likes to make his own movies with the flipcam. Funny how getting away from electronic devices can bring forth more creative pursuits, huh?
Love you blog and will definitely be back for more. Thanks, Samantha.
Samantha Bangayan
WOW! That’s a true success story, Craig! Thanks for sharing that! =) Maybe I should try this with my younger brother. He has tons of ideas for a book he wants to write, but he spends so much time on the computer that he never gets anything out! I’ll have to tell him about your son. =)
Thanks so much again for your thoughts! =)
J.D. Meier
I think I would have enjoyed the makeshift hanging trapeze.
It looks like you had fun. It’s a great reminder how movement is a simple way to have fun.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I can imagine you on the trapeze, JD! =) And good point about movement — whether it was dancing or spinning, I imagine my new friend was having the time of her life with all those endorphins running around. =)
Faissal Alhaithami
so cute little girls 😀
Yes I do incorporate play with my life, I guess playing is how i make my life balance. I do that by doing sport or playing games. Whenever, i feel tired from working or studying, I take a break and actually play 🙂
Thanks for sharing this nice post with us.
Samantha Bangayan
Faissal, thanks so much for stopping by and it’s so great to meet you! =) Funny how no one has brought up sports yet — it’s the perfect way to “play” and be part of the community even as adults. I’ll always admire some of my friends’ parents who still play soccer to this day!
Li @Flash Fiction
Sweet post! We all need to keep the child inside alive and well 🙂 As my friend Stuart reminds me, there’s a big difference between childish and child-like. To be child-like is to play, to wonder, to be curious, and to enjoy the simple things.
Samantha Bangayan
Yes, definitely! I should make that my new year’s resolution. =) I hadn’t thought about that distinction that Stu makes — “child-like” it is! =)
Paula
This is so sweet! I love the picture of you going down the slide. 🙂 It’s been a long time since I played, unless you count computer and board games. 🙂
Paula
AHahaha … just realized that that isn’t you! That is what I get for not having a light on when I’m using my computer. lol
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I didn’t dare try that way of sliding down although I should have, eh? =) That would have been hilarious! =)
Abe Palmer
I now know what has been missing. Thanks Sam
Samantha Bangayan
I felt the same way as I spent the day with those kids, Abe! Hope you can meet them someday! =)
Janine
Personally I love going to the park to swing on the swings : ) I hate tickle games (when I’m on the wrong end of them) but some people still seem to want to get me to play them! I also hate tea-towel-flicking games as I’m always the one that gets hurt!
Of course, now you have me thinking. Summer has just hit hear – I think I feel the call for water balloon fights!
Samantha Bangayan
That’s something I hadn’t done for so long! Parks with swings are usually reserved for schools in guarded grounds. Wish they were more accessible here. =P I should take advantage of the public swings they have in Vancouver! =)
Haha! =) I’ve also avoided tickle and tea-towel-flicking games. =P Totally had me laughing there imagining you running away from the tea towels. =P
Sonia Marsh/Gutsy Living
I love the way kids make up their own games when they don’t have much or entertainment or electronic gizmos. Reminds me of the kids we saw in Belize. Funny how they do look happier than kids who have everything.
Samantha Bangayan
I can so imagine how it was probably similar in Beliza, Sonia! =) Hope I helped you bring up good memories and I so agree that they often seem/look happier than kids who can get all that they want!
Cherry
aaww it’s nice to do things we used to do when we were a kid. this makes me feel like going to the park later and ride a swing and slides lol.
Samantha Bangayan
Great to meet you, Cherry! I so agree! =) We all need more of these kid moments and I hope you definitely went to the park. =)
Vinny T.
Glad to know that you’re still a kid at heart. Keep up with those acrobatics, but be careful. Don’t hurt yourself and ruin your planned trip[ back home for the holidays
Samantha Bangayan
I am totally a kid at heart and hope to remain one! =) Thankfully, I was alright for the trip back home. Hehe! =)
Penelope J.
Reminds me of what being a child is really like – the freedom of playing on the jungle jim, going down the slide head first, a broken seesaw, making up games as you go along. Without hovering adults telling you to watch out, or this or that isn’t safe to play on. Without constant supervision so that you can just be the child you are and not the child that adults want you to be, which is the case all too often in this country of overprotective parents and society.
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! That’s a good distinction, Pennie! Many parents these days are more protective than in the past. From early on, we’re already programmed to be extra safe and not take any chances. Maybe this is what can stifle true creativity in the future. =P
Have a merry holiday season! =)
Marie from Rock The Kasbah
Funny how kids are the same everywhere. Well, except for the states where kids would be lost without playing the wii, ipad or playstation.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) Yeah, I don’t see much of those three pieces of technology here at all. =P
Barbara
Lovely and touching post, Sam, thanks for sharing and reminding us to let the child within us come forward to play!
I remember childhood Sundays in a forest with family and friends, whilst the adults prepared the food and lit a fire for the BBQ, we were allowed to roam free but ordered not to light a fire! Of course not, but I can reassure you the forest still exists! We built huts and told each other tales of giants hidden behind some rocks, waiting to catch one of us, the outcome was never clear: did they plan to eat us or enslave us? We came home dirty and tired but fuelled with energy.
I find the same attitude in that girl you so lovingly described – time to let the child come forth again!
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for being able to identify, Barbara!
I love that image of you as a child in a forest. =) A good friend of mine has a little forest on his land here near Vancouver and when I took a walk through it, I imagined growing up in it as a child. Haha! =) Love the tales you invented and the taste of your own childhood. =)
Thom Brown
Swings – one of our best inventions. “How do you like to go up in a swing, Up in the air so blue? Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing Ever a child can do!” I have two – one on each side of the house.
Samantha Bangayan
Oh! I had no idea that Robert Louis Stevenson had written that. =) What beautiful lines and I absolutely love that image of having swings at home! I think I shall plan that into my future too! =) Thanks for the idea, Thom!
Fred Tracy
Wow, that is really cool Samantha. I can remember being a little kid, and how easy it was to entertain ourselves. I wonder why most of us lose track of that?
Anyhow, this is inspiration to find something to bring joy into our lives in each moment. If nothing else – why not dance?
Samantha Bangayan
I know eh! I know that I have a harder time inventing stories and games when I’m bored. =P Being with these kids was the perfect way to stir my imagination and creativity again! =) You should find kids on your mail route, Fred. =)
Love that! And “why not dance?” =) So true!
Hajra
Hey Sam!!
Glad to be back!! This reminds me of the time when my nephew and niece came to visit us! We had to become kids with them… play like them, run about carefree and just glow in their energy!
Things like this make us forget the current “tension” we are in and let’s us be ourselves!
Samantha Bangayan
Sounds like you can completely relate, Hajra! That’s what happened to me too. Kids bringing out the life in me. =)
I hadn’t realized it, but I think you’re right that the experience erased away the stress and tension of everyday life. =)
Marcus Baker
Hi Sam,
Loved the post and the pictures to go with the story! I could feel the fun you had on that playground!
I recently wrote a post on a similar theme which I’ll set Comment Luv to link to at the bottom of my comment in case you want to read it Sam as we obviously think alike on this important topic.
I love how you said that you want to “find joy in each moment, to make the best of any situation, to be resourceful, and to harness playful creativity.”
This is indeed what children do naturally and which we then sadly lose as we get older. Play is a wonderful release mechanism which helps us to distract ourselves and in doing so we we relax our usually constricted vibration. As we do this we allow life to flow to us endlessly and effortlessly.
One of the best ways I incorporate play into my life Sam is by playing with animals. I do a lot of house sitting for friends who have animals so I get plenty of opportunity to play with cats and dogs apart form my own. 🙂
~Marcus
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! I’m so glad you could feel the fun of it all, Marcus! I was afraid it wouldn’t be expressed through my post with all those dark pictures. These are the moments I wish I were a better photographer. =P
Can’t wait to read your post! I need any reminder and encouragement I can get to be more kid-like in my life, actions, and thoughts! I can almost envision my body trapped in that “constricted vibration” you describe and welcome strategies to counter it!
Aww! I hadn’t thought about how pets make such a difference! You’re right that the two cats in my life make everything alright in the end. =) That has me thinking of studies that show that pets have a calming effect. =)
Hope you have a fabulous new year, friend!
Kaarina Dillabough
This post brought me back to my childhood, and resonates with me to this day. I remember days of playing hide and seek until the street lights came on. Of having plum fights…picking plums off the ground and pelting each other with glee. Of walking on rickety fences, pretending we were on tightropes and seeing who could stay on the longest. Of teeter totters and swings and jungle gyms and carousels. Of making mud pies, eating snow and cracking ice on the surface of puddles with our ugly brown galoshes with the silver buckle.
THIS is what childhood should be all about. Creative play, fun, activity and glee. AND…this is what we, in adulthood, should keep. Not just memories, but PLAY.
Great, wonderful, inspiring post Samantha:) Cheers! Kaarina
Samantha Bangayan
Kaarina, I am so ecstatic about your positive feedback with this post! =) I absolutely love imagining you playing hide & seek outdoors, participating in plum fights (completely new to me), walking on fences, making mud pies, and playground hopping! =) Those are tons of amazing ideas I can take to the rural town with me. =) Maybe they’ll be surprised by my own “innovation.” =)
I wholeheartedly agree that this is what both childhood and adulthood should be about! Thanks so much for identifying! =)
Joy
Sam, you described it so well that I really felt their joy and carefree spirit! Life is so much simpler from the eyes of children. Why must we all complicate it? Oh well…..Anyway, thank you for such a fun yet insightful post!
Samantha Bangayan
I’m so glad I was able to convey that in my writing, Joy! =) I always try to simplify my life as much as possible too. =) Thanks for relating to me!
MuMuGB
Glad you found your inner kid Sam! I think that these kid (and your little guide) are doing exactly what children should do: they play!
As for me, I don’t play much. Actually, I have become much too serious. Your post made it even clearer!
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) I don’t think you’re overly serious at all, Muriel! =) In fact, I think your travels and your writing show that you’re super fun! =)
Suzanne Grey
Reminiscing the childhood days are truly worth the time. I miss to play hide and seek with my playmates.
Samantha Bangayan
It’s so great to meet you, Suzanne! =) I’m so with you on missing those play days of the past!
Sherry Zander
There’s an expression we used to use quite often a few years ago — “Work hard: play hard.” To me, however, it denotes aggressive work and aggressive play. I think we’ve lost the childlike innocence of being able to play like we did when we were children, especially those of us who did not have much growing up. We had to be creative in what we were given, and we were. I can imagine how creative children were who were brought up in the late 1800s, early 1900s in the U.S. where it was rare for anyone but the rich to have the modern toys and games of the day. Children were imaginative, using whatever they found lying around. They used sticks as guns and feathers from animals to play cowboys and Indians. They had contests skipping rocks or hanging a rope over a river to see who could swing out the farthest. The less children were given to play with, the more creative they became in their play activity. Makes you wonder if we need to regularly dial down a bit and learn how to creatively play again …
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t thought about the connotations of that expression, Sherry! Playing became less carefree somehow. You describe the creativity so well in how simple objects can be imagined into new roles or no objects may be needed at all. I call for more creative play! =)