Adar 5786  אדר

Wednesday, February 18.  We had a wonderful reprieve this week, with (slightly) warmer temperatures just over freezing.  It gave all that snow a chance to melt, and us a chance to go for longer walks, and see little peeks of green under brown leaves.  Snow is predicted again for the weekend – it must be February in the Great Lakes! – but with the light growing and a bird calling here and there, we are that bit closer to spring. In the middle east of course, the rainy season continues – grains planted earlier are growing, and some crops such as beans and vegetables are still being sown. 

We begin the month of Adar with a shift toward joy – we are commanded to immerse ourselves in hilarity, laughter and play as we head toward the holiday of Purim in the middle of the month.  It is a time to remember, re-create, or create from scratch, the giddy happiness of children.  The Purim holiday itself gives us something to focus on – what will our costumes be, what silliness can we celebrate with our friends or children or grandchildren, what crazy lyrics can we set to familiar songs, how can we make it fun for everyone?

I’ve been reading lately about the importance of play for the development of children – and the importance of developing a play life for adults.  For children, play is critical to the development of the whole child – social, emotional, physical, spiritual and mental.  For adults, it connects us to others and to the universe, relieves stress, helps us to learn and explore new ways of being.  Dr. Stuart Brown, in his book  Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, talks about play for adults as well.  He defines eight different play personalities, with many of us crossing over more than one area.  Are you a Joker, a Collector, a Competitor, a Creator, a Director, and Explorer, a Kinesthete, or a Storyteller?[1]

Learning about these areas has helped me realize that you can find joyful play in your life in ways way beyond telling jokes and goofing off with friends (which can be an annual challenge for those of us whose take on life is more earnest).  But Dr. Brown’s approach says, do what is fun for you! It’s still joyful and playful!  As adults with decades of responsibilities, we may find we need to consciously work on learning to play and be joyful.  In Adar, we have permission to make playdates for ourselves daily.  May it become a habit that enlightens our whole year – Chodesh tov! — K. Miriam

Many thanks to Ann for her beautiful photos of this transitional time of year. 

Our next Rosh Chodesh Walking Meditation will honor the month of Nissan, Thursday, March 19, 8:30 am.  Rain or snow or shine!  Contact us for location.

---

[1] See https://nifplay.org/what-is-play/play-personalities/