Child at play.
Unexpectedly reminded of childhood
I’m squished into an uncomfortable aircraft seat, slowly unwinding from the hurry up and wait, that is modern air travel, when something curious happens. Looking out of the window a memory is sparked, and my imagination unfurls.
Take a moment to think about where you would be, if you were a child at play. Free write, without conscious thought or direction.
Write
The clouds are endless, stretching as far as I can see. They are soft cotton wool, creamy in colour and tinged pink at the horizon where they meet the pale blue heavens.
A giant bouncy castle, a carpet of ever-yielding softness. I could run across the whole world, propelled higher and higher with every step I take.
And then, in some places, the cloud is thinner. Careful! I might fall through to the level below, and then have to jump extra hard to get back, or else find a ladder made of sunbeams, or gusts of wind straightened into rungs.
Oh wait, now there is a top layer of cloud, thinner, wispier, forming islands in the sky. I could claim one for myself and build a fort. I can see another plane to the left, slightly a head, we’re racing it… faster, faster!
Reflect
When I was a chid I remember thinking that the clouds were exactly that, soft and fluffy, but simultaneously strong and safe.
Writing this took me back to the joy of play, unburdened by adult cares for sure, but more than that, I was living in my imagination. My typing sped up as I slipped back into sentences tumbling out, thoughts coming unheeded and quicker than I could say them. How glorious to remember that rich surrender to fantasy and curiosity of a child exploring their surroundings and responses to it.
Share
What about you, do you remember what it felt like to play, maybe you still do? Share if you want to, using the chat below, or just read what other’s have posted. Let’s build a community of reflective people!
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