If you have seen the recent movie "Where the Wild Things Are," then you will be familiar with the term real pile. A real pile is created by a bunch a creatures (humans or otherwise) who have the need for touch, closeness, and expression of love. The creatures literally create a big snugly pile with their bodies, and in the case of the movie, fall asleep feeling both safe and held.
Creating a real pile at home with the kids might be a fun way of connecting everyone through safe touch. Instead of falling asleep this way, consider the real pile as a precursor to engaging in a loving, non-competitive form of wrestling-like play called Original Play. Original Play, discovered by O. Fred Donaldson, PhD, is a type of play that all of Earth's creatures engage in, including humans. It helps to strengthen connection and trust amongst participants, and alleviate aggression.
If you are interested in learning more about Original Play, I encourage you to explore Dr. Donaldson's website at http://www.originalplaynorthwest.org/ and watch the instructional videos.
If you are located in the Portland Metro area and like what you see on the website listed above, I encourage you to take your children to a "Play after Play" performance at The Brooklyn Bay. You can find more information at http://www.thebrooklynbay.org/ (please click on Children's Program).
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