…if it looks you in the eye and you look back

by Richard Reeve on July 21, 2009

in Sand Box

Ben playing in the grass

Ben playing in the grass

So my first thought when I looked up from my pitchfork full of hay was, “I asked him to help me a few minutes ago, what is he doing?”  The second thought: “Man, that’s gonna itch.”  Then finally I broke free from the inner critic and saw what was before me with open eyes.

A boy at play, lost in his imagination, perhaps pursuing an Imperial tie fighter in a Star Wars battle.  More likely he was riding the back of a mythical creature.  The first words to came out of his mouth once the spell was broken were “you know, a basilisk can turn you to stone like the Medusa if it looks you in the eye and you look back.”  I could have asked, but I’ve come to respect the sanctity of the imaginal realm that he can so freely engage.

There’s certain positions and postures that seem a prerequisite to have a thought like that.  Kids know them all.  Kids know summer.

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  • I really liked this post. I was reminded of a story I read about Jung and sand castles (at least I think that's what it was - memory and all that).

    I've often wondered after I read Jung, and I'm wondering now after reading your post, if there is a value in pursuing a banned childhood game. Naturally, I know there is but where is the incentive? I guess it all comes down to incentive. Its been so long it's hard to 'imagine' a need to play again.

    In the words of Nick Cave:


    ...he'll rekindle all the dreams that took you a lifetime to destroy.
  • Thanks for the thoughtful response. I think moving beyond playfulness
    in attitude into actual play can lead to some truly unexpected

    discoveries.
  • I want to be lost in play *sigh* thanks for the smile :)
  • Glad to know that it garnered a smile...funny, I was up at 2am last
    night and I kind of just poured this one out there...an example of the

    value of ignoring the SEO ideas for the sake of the reader...
  • How old is he? Our little grandson is five, and freely roams between Star Wars, Norman knights, green plastic army dudes, and sometimes marbles to stage battles.

    My latest favorite quote from him this week: "Nana, I just counted to infinity really fast!"
  • That's a great quote. Ben is now seven...
  • Saturdayangel
    We can all learn a lot from children. Loved this piece! Enjoy your summer.
  • Thanks for taking a moment to say so...
  • Damn straight, Richard. Kids know summer.

    "Except ye become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

    Heaven and Summer...huh.
  • Saw you dug out your tent recently. I need to follow suit.
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