What is Play and Why Does Play Matter?

Play is a sacred liminal space—a threshold where everyday boundaries dissolve, and our innate curiosity, wonder, and joy find free expression. More than mere entertainment, it nourishes us as profoundly as sleep or sustenance, renewing our energy and uplifting our spirit. Across the lifespan, play invites us to dance between imagination and possibility, cultivating emotional, cognitive, and intuitive wisdom along the way.

In this dynamic realm, we experiment with our authentic selves, tapping into creativity that sparks connection and fosters empathy. Through the sacred act of play, we transform limitations into growth, enhance our capacity for compassion, and fortify the resilience we need to navigate life’s challenges. Within this generative space of play, we realize the vibrant pulse of living and what it truly means to be wholeheartedly alive.

The Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA

The Role of Play in Health Equity 

The Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA is kicking off our Health Equity Seminar series with the virtual movie premiere of PLAYING FOR KEEPS open to all University of California students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees from October 25 – 27, 2020. The Health Equity Seminar consists of the virtual movie premiere followed by a panel discussion around the role of play in health equity.

PLAYING FOR KEEPS examines the importance of play and downtime for all of us – children, adults, seniors and animals. It is a tapestry of interwoven characters that takes a look at the health benefits of the play state as well as its recent decline in our lives.

The Power of Play 2024

Click the article to read and learn more about the transformative power of play, written by play researcher colleagues,

Scott Eberle, Ph.D., and Stuart Brown, M.D.

Elements & Properties of Play

Properties of Play 

1. Purposeless (Done for its own sake)

2. Voluntary

3. Inherent attraction

4. Freedom from time

5. Diminished consciousness of Self

6. Improvisational potential

7. Continuation desire

What is Body & Movement Play?

Body & Movement Play is a vibrant exploration of joyful embodiment, drawing on our innate impulse for wonder and spontaneity. When we allow ourselves to move simply for the pleasure of it, we unlock a realm where curiosity is sparked, creativity flourishes, and social bonds deepen. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of The National Institute for Play, reminds us that “trust is established through play signals,” underscoring how the act of playing fosters both shared understanding and genuine connection. In these playful moments, we honor our unique individuality while building communities grounded in trust and compassion. Are you inviting enough play into your life?

What is Hoop Dancing?

Hoop dancing is a lively form of body-and-movement play that often evokes an immediate sense of joy, liberation, and creative self-expression. Though the hula hoop may appear to be just a simple plastic circle, it has roots stretching back thousands of years—ancient Egyptians used hoops crafted from grapevines and bent wood as early as 1000 BCE, and even Hippocrates prescribed hoop rolling for strengthening weak backs (Camp, 2013). Modern hoop dancers often discover that being inside the hoop’s boundary creates a feeling of safety, fostering imaginative exploration, emotional release, and mindful presence.

The repetitive, flowing movements of hoop dancing function much like a movement meditation, quieting mental chatter and inviting a soothing state of “letting go.” Over time, the gentle persistence and openness required by hoop practice can encourage balance, deep healing, and enhanced well-being. Whether approached as a playful pastime or a therapeutic practice, hoop dancing offers a rich, joyful pathway into the harmony of body, mind, and spirit.

Founder of The National Institute for Play, Dr. Stuart Brown is a Psychiatrist, teacher, and the inspiration behind my soul work in the world.