Play

Life through the eyes of a child - a precious invitation to return to our infinite, unconditional self. Blessed be. x

I learnt late in life.

It is not us who are here to ‘teach’ our children.

It is the child who is here to remind us of unconditional love.

To remind us of the love we are at our core, and perhaps have forgotten.

This week, I had some leftover furry material and turned it into 3 tails attached to elastic. One for our 3 year old grandson whose imagination is boundless; one for myself so I can join in; and one for an elderly neighbor who is in a retirement home and still loves to jest, to dress up and make others smile.

A silly use of what could have been discarded.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Why a tail?

My love of Sendak’s illustrated picture book, Where the Wild Things Are, has never changed. I loved its magic and so did my children. There is something poignant about the depths of a child’s imagination, the way they view the world and its hurts, their capacity to love, and their willingness to forgive. Lessons that speak to the truest parts of ourselves.

So play!

Tend to the wild garden of your hopes and daydreams — that soft space where your imagination still lives.

We played Grandma kangaroo and Baby kangaroo; wrapped our tails around our wrists to be ringtail possums; ‘Gurly’ the puppy visited with other doggo friends and then we went on an adventure.

Tails firmly in place.

And when the visit ended, the soft tail was stroked as he fell asleep on the way home. My heart.

Follow our children and grandchildren’s lead - they understand its significance. Through play, they explore the world with wonder, trust, and joy. They don’t question their creativity or ask permission to imagine; they simply are - fully present, curious, and connected.

We too, have this innate connection.

When we return to play - not for productivity or perfection, but for the simple pleasure of being- we remember.

Tail adventure ... images by Michelle Cowles

Reconnect with our inner child,

with the rhythm of life,

and with the quiet wisdom that lives beyond the noise of fear and adult expectation.

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Watch this space to see how our almost octegenarian friend receives his tail! It will join his Mickey Mouse and Santa costumes, his unicorn hat and magician’s wand, and Mad Hatters Tea Party ensemble. We are truly never too old to play. x

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Blessed be, dear ones

Michelle Cowles

Spiritual Healer/Teacher/Learner

Copyright Michelle Cowles 2025

Find more at: www.michellecowles.com

Disclaimer: The information on this page is general, lifestyle information and should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If this article raises mental health issues, please contact your General Practitioner, mental health worker, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia) OR find support by country at www.helpguide.org.