There is something about snow that brings out the child in me. It starts to fall and I want to run out, tip my head back and stare up into the infinite flakes falling. And then I want to fling myself down and make snow angels. The urge to act like a child is even stronger at this time of year with the packages and wrappings and toys. Santa. Reindeer and all the trimmings that come with the holidays.
But it shouldn’t take a holiday for us to put aside our adult selves and fall into the freedom of play. As writers it is essential to indulge our imagination and play like a child, to feel that release in letting go of adult responsibilities and worries. Not only is it fun, but it is essential for writers and other creative types to learn to tap into that part of themselves.
Creativity comes to life through play. Jungian psychologist Marie-Louise von Franz noted that creative people who have active imaginations often fall prey to the critic and editor. She suggests that play invites exploration without the judge standing in the way. Releasing our adult inhibitions and letting go is a way to cut the negative out of the process and free our minds to new solutions and ideas.
Play comes in many forms. It may be indulging in a snowball fight or building a snowman. It may be racing against friends and family in Mario Kart or building new worlds with Legos. The type of play doesn’t matter. What does matter is getting out of yourself and letting your imagination run free.
For writers, this may take the form of story starters. Most writing books encourage writing exercises and using prompts, but if you are like me, you probably skip them thinking you need to get right to work. But that is a mistake. Taking the time to play or write for fun pays off in the end. It quiets those negative voices that hold us back. It helps shut down the conscious blocks and release our imagination, which comes from our subconscious.
Th best part about play is that it doesn’t have to take the form of writing exercises (although they are more helpful than you would think). You can play in any number of ways. Do puzzles, Play with your kids. Build something in Minecraft. Paint. Draw. Play charades. Sing. Dance. Release yourself to try new things and to be silly.
Trying something new works well for writers who get stuck. Marie-Louise von Franz said that “consciousness comes with blocks that the unconscious are not burdened by” and urges creative types to do whatever it takes to bypass the conscious mind and tap into the unconscious. Working in a medium you are not as skilled in opens you to accidents, which allows the unconscious mind to emerge. The key is freeing your imagination from constraints and habit. The critic can only say so much if you are new at something. Get past that initial resistance and you could unlock your creative mind.
So take advantage of this season and indulge in a bit of play and imagination. Ask Santa for some paints, toys or games. Let go of your responsible adult self and let your inner child take over for a bit. Pull out those writing prompts and word games. Try a story starter. Play Cranium. Get silly. Have fun and let go of the stress, the judge, the editor and those inner voices that try to stand in your way. It will feel great and make your writing better in the end.