How often do you play? When my professor asked the art materials class this question, I had to admit it had been a long long time since I had. When she asked why, I said I don’t feel like I’m allowed to play. It’s true, I always feel like I have to be doing something productive in my free time. Either that or I’m watching tv or a video.

My professor had brought in a giant bag of play-doh, finger paints, a beading kit, markers, fuzzy pictures to color in (kind of seventies-style, with black fuzz around the design you’re supposed to color in) and gel paint. It was totally fun and relaxing to just sit there and play, knowing there was no pressure and I didn’t have to make a work of art for the ages. So, do you give yourself the time and space to play in your life?