Play requires presence and engagement in an activity without regard for outcome or product and without concern for the judgement of others. When fully engaged in the process of play something magical happens. Time shifts and there is a sense of pure pleasure in the work at hand.

According to Eric Maisel, adults often consider play non-productive because they are judging it from a results-oriented model. In our culture we have often define success as winning or acquiring things. Yet it is in a goal-free state of enquiry that we best stretch our skills and actualize our potential.

Renowned psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has studied what makes people's lives meaningful and satisfying. He has developed the concept of "flow" in creativity which he describes as "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved and you are using your skills to the utmost." This surely is play.

Maintaining an attitude of play is hard work. It requires cognitive flexibility. There must be a willingness to view problems from new and different perspectives. Attachment to a particular outcome stifles play.

There was a time when I could not have done this. I was so focused on perfection that I rarely enjoyed anything I did. Granted I was very good at the things I chose to do. I appeared to be competent but I took few risks. My striving limited my potential, not to mention my pleasure in life.

I find this amusing because I spent many years encouraging young children to explore materials with no need for a particular outcome. I taught both teachers and parents to support children in their play. My background in early childhood special education and family studies prepared me to understand play as an important vehicle for learning. I know that the same principles that apply to children's learning apply to adults as well.

In my own childhood I enjoyed the luxury of long days free of adult imposed structure. As a part of the neighbourhood gang, in a small group or on my own I spent seemingly endless hours at play. I explored my world, learned to cooperate with my peers and exercised my imagination.

One of my favourite memories is of designing clothes for my paper dolls. I worked tirelessly throughout several summers creating beautiful garments for Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth using only scrap paper, crayons and my trusty scissors. My happiness and sense of accomplishment during those times was extreme.

Today I observe the same phenomenon in my grandchildren. Josie, age 5, is able to work for long periods on interesting activities. Her work shows evidence of the unrestrained pleasure of creating and her motor skills are catching up to her creative flare. Younger sister Sullivan requires more support, but clearly demonstrates a love for creating and problem solving. Both girls have vivid imaginations and engage in play without self-consciousness.

I have not completed the volume of work I hoped for, but I certainly have enough pieces for an interesting exhibit. I have learned many lessons in the process. I have seen myself fully immersed in playful creation. I have used my existing skills to develop new ones. I have experimented with my materials and made some new discoveries. I have moved beyond what I knew before. And most important, I have had fun.