Playfullness is something we expect to see in a child. Yet, it truly is a source for healthy living and relating for all of us, offering joy and creativity to every aspect of life. Unfortunately, this innate sense of playfulness can be destroyed by the stresses of life and work, often from an early age.
School examinations, grind classes, and societal pressures rob children of the freedom to "waste time". They are told to focus on achievement rather than simply being. Consequently, the element of living in the present moment is undervalued, and this essential quality gradually fades. Slowly but surely, playfulness can disappear from our lives, replaced by a seriousness that blinds us to the potential for joyful and creative living.
When we are relaxed, our potential for playfulness and creativity flows more freely. In this state, we can enjoy each other’s company without pretence or the need to control or force others to conform to our expectations. Playfulness enables us to interact authentically, valuing people for who they are rather than what they achieve.
In many ways, playfulness is like a wellspring, allowing the life force to flow freely, much like a fresh stream. It rejuvenates not just the individual but everyone around them. It draws people into an authentic connection, one that comes from the very centre of their being.
Playfulness has intrinsic value, distinct from any utilitarian purpose. It keeps alive the awareness that we are valuable in and of ourselves - not for what we produce, achieve, or accomplish, but simply because we exist.
We all need to waste time occasionally, engaging in activities that don’t serve a specific purpose beyond the joy of the moment. Can we stop and marvel at the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, immerse ourselves in a piece of music, or relish the simple act of being? Too often, even our leisure activities come with goals - losing weight, winning a race, or achieving some measurable success. Yet the healthiest approach to exercise, for example, is to revel in the sheer sense of well-being it provides. Unfortunately, this joy is often lost. We push ourselves to win at all costs, sometimes incurring injuries or even resorting to harmful practices like performance-enhancing drugs. Many sports today are laden with stress rather than fostering the relaxation and joy that could lead to a true spirit of playfulness Even our holidays, which should be a time of rest and renewal, are often packed with activities designed to achieve something. We fill our schedules to the brim, chasing experiences or ticking off destinations on a list. In doing so, we lose the pearls of joyful living along the way and often return home more tired than when we left.
In truth, when we are fully relaxed and enjoying ourselves, our truest selves emerge. Playfulness fosters genuine laughter and joy, drawing us out of our overly self-focused tendencies. It breaks down the walls we build to keep others at a distance - the defences meant to shield us from judgment or vulnerability. These barriers often prevent us from truly welcoming others into our lives or even from being at home with ourselves.
Photo: canva.com/AleksandarNakic
Without playfulness, life can become stagnant. Competition, fear of failure, and the relentless pursuit of success stifle the spirit of joy. Without that light-hearted spirit, we risk becoming like zombies, only half-living, going through the motions of life without truly engaging with it.
Playfulness allows us to see the humour and absurdity of life, including our own missteps. It invites us to laugh at ourselves and approach others with openness and generosity. When we embrace playfulness, we free ourselves from the constant barrage of expectations to perform, produce, and achieve, which is especially prevalent in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong.
People who are playful and joy-filled know that their worth is not tied to success or failure. They recognise themselves as whole and complete, made in the image and likeness of God. This foundational truth - that God does not make mistakes - anchors them, enabling them to live with freedom, creativity, and a deep sense of contentment.
Playfulness is not just for children. It is a wellspring of life, an invitation to be fully alive, and a reminder that joy and creativity are as essential to our well-being as air and water.
Columban Fr Michael Cuddigan lives and works in Hong Kong.
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - March/April 2025
