Rooted and Rising: Pleasure and Play
This post continues our Rooted and Rising series at Clark Counseling Services, LLC, where we explore six interconnected domains that contribute to holistic mental health and well-being. So far, we have discussed nature connection, movement and physical activity, and intellectual curiosity. In this fourth installment, we turn to a domain that is often overlooked in adult life yet essential for emotional balance and vitality, pleasure and play.
The Importance of Pleasure and Play
Pleasure and play are natural human drives that contribute to a sense of joy, creativity, and connection. From childhood onward, play allows us to experiment, express ourselves, and recover from stress. However, as adults, we often begin to equate productivity with worth and may unconsciously disconnect from activities that simply bring enjoyment.
Psychological research has shown that incorporating play and pleasurable activities into daily life can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhance problem-solving abilities, and increase emotional flexibility. Play invites spontaneity, laughter, and imagination, all of which counteract the rigid patterns that can develop in times of chronic stress.
Pleasure also plays a critical role in nervous system regulation. Positive sensory experiences such as savoring a favorite meal, enjoying music, or engaging in a hobby help balance the physiological effects of stress. When we experience pleasure mindfully, it signals safety to the body and reinforces the capacity for joy and connection.
Clinical Perspectives
In psychotherapy, supporting clients in reconnecting with pleasure and play can be deeply healing. Many individuals arrive in therapy carrying guilt around rest or leisure, feeling that enjoyment must be earned. Yet, pleasure and play are not indulgences; they are essential components of well-being.
Engagement in pleasurable or playful activities can strengthen emotional resilience by increasing positive affect and buffering against burnout. In trauma-informed practice, introducing safe and enjoyable experiences can help clients reestablish a sense of agency and body awareness. Playfulness can also support creativity within therapy itself, inviting clients to experiment with new perspectives and behaviors in a supportive environment.
Bringing Pleasure and Play into Everyday Life
Reconnecting with joy does not require grand gestures. Often, the most meaningful changes come from intentional moments of lightness and engagement.
Rediscover Simple Joys: Recall activities from childhood or earlier adulthood that once brought you happiness and explore them again.
Schedule Time for Enjoyment: Treat leisure and play as essential appointments rather than afterthoughts.
Engage the Senses: Listen to music, cook a flavorful meal, or spend time outdoors noticing colors, textures, and sounds.
Practice Playfulness in Relationships: Share humor, engage in games, or approach communication with curiosity and creativity.
Mindful Pleasure: Notice moments of satisfaction throughout your day, such as the warmth of sunlight, a pleasant aroma, or the comfort of stillness.
These practices invite lightness into daily life while strengthening emotional regulation and relational connection.
A Deeper Perspective
Pleasure and play reconnect us to authenticity. They remind us that healing is not only about reducing pain but also about expanding our capacity for joy. When we allow ourselves to experience pleasure without judgment, we reaffirm our right to exist fully and presently.
In the Rooted and Rising framework, pleasure and play represent the art of rising, the invitation to celebrate, to imagine, and to participate in the fullness of life.
Moving Forward
In our next post, we will explore Social Connection, an essential domain that examines how relationships and community shape our mental and emotional health. Understanding how to cultivate supportive, meaningful relationships is central to the process of becoming both rooted and rising.