Hey adventurers! Welcome to week 4 of the 90 Days of Play Challenge! This week, we’re ditching the walls and screens and embracing the most playful place on earth – the great outdoors!

This Week’s Mission:

Set two joy timers this week for a double dose of outdoor fun! Schedule one timer for your planned nature exploration, and set a surprise “spontaneous play” timer to go off randomly throughout the day. When that second timer beeps, stop what you’re doing and head outside for a few minutes. Take a deep breath of fresh air, do some jumping jacks, or simply stretch and enjoy the scenery.

Remember the thrill of climbing trees, the joy of exploring hidden creeks, and the pure wonder of gazing at a star-filled sky? Nature is a giant playground waiting to be rediscovered!

• Reconnect with Nature: This week, it’s all about forging a deeper connection with the natural world. Take a walk in the park, hike through a local trail, or simply sit in your backyard and soak up the fresh air and sunshine. Let nature’s sights, sounds, and smells invigorate your senses.
• Embrace the Elements: Don’t be afraid to get a little messy! This week, embrace the elements – feel the wind in your hair, dip your toes in a cool stream, or build a sandcastle on the beach. Let go of inhibitions and reconnect with the simple pleasures of playing outdoors. Turn your outdoor adventure into a full-on exploration! Here are some ideas:
• Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural objects to find, like different colored leaves, unique shaped rocks, or specific types of flowers.
• Build a Nature Mandala: Use pebbles, leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to create a beautiful and artistic mandala on the ground.
• Stargazing Extravaganza: Find a spot with minimal light pollution and gaze at the wonders of the night sky. See if you can spot constellations or even identify some planets!

Beyond the pure joy of play, nature offers a unique sensory experience unlike any other. Here’s how:

• Sight: From the vibrant colors of wildflowers to the majestic sweep of a mountain range, nature offers a feast for the eyes. Take a moment to truly appreciate the intricate details of a spiderweb or the vastness of a starry night sky.
• Sound: Listen closely to the symphony of nature – the babbling brook, the rustling leaves in the wind, the chirping of birds. Notice the calming effect these sounds can have on your mind and spirit.
• Smell: Breathe in the fresh, clean air, scented with pine needles, blooming flowers, or the salty spray of the ocean. These natural scents can be incredibly invigorating and grounding.
• Touch: Feel the soft grass beneath your bare feet, the rough texture of tree bark, or the coolness of a smooth river rock. Nature offers a variety of textures to explore, providing a unique tactile experience.
• Taste: For some, nature’s bounty offers a taste sensation! Sample a ripe wild berry (after proper identification, of course!), savor the sweetness of fresh maple syrup, or enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

Share the Journey:

Capture a photo or video of your outdoor adventure and share it with #90DaysofPlay! Tag us on social media: Insta: @AuthenticallyMeli, YouTube: @DairyofanAuthenticLife

Remember: Nature is a treasure trove of playful possibilities! This week, embrace the elements, unleash your inner child, and rediscover the magic of playing outdoors!

Unleash Your Playful Potential with the 90 Days of Play Journal!

Want to extend the playful journey beyond this week? The 90 Days of Play Journal is your perfect companion! Packed with prompts, inspiring quotes, and weekly challenges, this journal will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery, creativity, and rediscovering the you throughout the entire 90 days. Order your journal today and keep the playful spirit alive! Order Here!