artist at art desk - creative play - bloom-true — Is there really an art to play?.

Creative play is on my heart recently,

and today, I want to invite you into something I believe in deeply for our Bloom True community:

It is the idea of play—not just for children—but for you, for me, for anyone who carries the weight of adult life and still longs for lightness, expression and connection. And, I wonder if we can all agree that the world feels heavy of late?

Adult play is a powerful tool: it reduces our stress, boosts our mood, supports our creativity, sharpens our cognition, and strengthens our social bonds.

In short: play isn’t frivolous. It’s regenerative, encouraging and it offers us moments of much needed joy. It belongs to our nervous systems, our emotional lives, and our creative souls.

Why this matters for your creative, sensitive self

In our world—where political, social and cultural pressures swirl—it’s easy to feel we must always produce, perform, do and even out-do. Our minds often rest in “task-mode.” But when we invite play, we allow another rhythm: one of exploration, curiosity, softness, and even joy.

The National Institute for Play (yep, there really is one) highlights that what matters isn’t the “activity” alone but how it feels: voluntary, naturally motivated, pleasurable, calming. That’s a beautiful invitation for your art practice. When you paint, collage, draw, experiment—not because you have to produce a masterpiece—but because it lights a spark in you, that is play. When you doodle, tear paper, mix colors, shift materials, breathe—yes, that’s all play.

And here’s something especially comforting: when we play, we’re also giving our nervous systems permission to relax, our minds permission to wander, our hearts to open. That openness fosters our creativity and emotional well-being. The Institute notes that adults who engage in playful activities are more likely to use positive coping strategies, and build resilience. Pretty cool if you ask me!

What is play for you? When was the last time you played?

I'd love to hear in the comments.

How you can weave play into your week

Here are a few gentle nudges to make play a living part of your life (and your creative journey) rather than merely a nice idea:

Identify what play means for you.
Ask: What do I lose myself in? What feels light, free, and engaging? Whether it’s mixing media, dancing with your paintbrush, layering textures, or simply playing with color—you are unique.
Adopt a playful attitude.
Consider shifting your inner voice: from “I need to make this perfect” to “I’m curious what happens if I try this.” Approach materials with wonder, questions, mis-steps, and mystery. The mind-set of play turns “mistake” into “experiment.
Schedule regular play-time.
Because yes—even play needs its place in our adult life. Calendar in 15-30 minutes this week where you commit to just play. No expectation of outcome, no judging. Just you, your intuition, your creative impulse & a few art supplies.
Want a touch of inspo to get you started? Subscribe to my YouTube channel and paint with me there.

For you, yes YOU!

If you’re reading this, you’re already part of a community that values emotional support, self-care, and nervous system regulation through creative expression. On my Instagram @bloom_true, I share gentle prompts, mixed-media inspiration, and short bursts of encouragement to remind you that creativity is for you. And on my YouTube channel I offer deeper explorations: short tutorials, reflections on how expressing plays into self-care, and meditative art-sessions you can join from home.

So wherever you are—I invite you: play - create, discover & grow! Welcome your creative self. Let your nervous system feel the richness of movement and color and texture. Let your heart feel the delight and lightness of an experiment that has no agenda. Then share what feels true, what comes through your hands, what your inner self registers. Tag me, message me, show me your process—let’s nourish one another.

Thank you for being here, for choosing to explore your creative self with courage and kindness. Your messy edges, your imperfect strokes, your curious beginnings—they matter. They are the heart of this community.

instagram: @bloom_true
website: www.bloom-true.com

🖌️ Watch now on YouTube: Mindful Mondays – Abstract Watercolor with Terri Conrad