THE LONG LOST CHILDHOOD GAMES

   
  This shutdown of the hectic life we lived, can open up spaces to a lot of things in our life. Games, for instance, are long forgotten by us and we end up setting an age for playing games. Games are not only played for fun but they teach us alot. Let us take a look back into the games we played in the good old times!

  One of my favorite outdoor sports is kabaddi , played between two teams of players. It is played like a sword fight where we use hands instead of swords to touch the players. The basic principle of a sword fight is to deliver a blow without taking one yourself. It prepares us to defend an attack and make use of the right time to win! It also keeps you on the move , which is a good exercise!

  When it comes to outdoor games , we cannot forget pandi which is a game played by joyfully but carefully , hopping over squares! It is a good exercise for the body and practically teaches us how to balance. The children can't help squealing with joy while playing this game. It also calls for a good aim, as we need to throw the stone inside the right box!

   When you are tired of playing outdoors, you are welcome to the world of indoor games! Pallanguli is a game played with nothing more than a wooden board and anything you find like stone or tamarind seeds. Apart from teaching kids to count , it also improves concentration! Every game of the past had a special hidden meaning with it. Games like Thaayam and paramapadam have transformed into modern versions of 'ludo' and 'Snakes and ladders' respectively. They are entertaining as well as relaxing!

    In addition to these, there are lots of games like aadupuli aatam, gilli and five stones which are rarely played nowadays. Let us not forget the beautiful memories of the past and pass on the meaningful games to younger children. Instead of gazing into the mobile phones or sitting hypnotized in front of the television, let us alternatively play some fascinating games! These games of the past are easier and informative than PUBG and call of duty!! 

    Games play an important role in relieving stress from our engrossed lives. Playing has been shown  to release endorphins, improve brain functionality, and stimulate creativity. And it can even help us feel young and energetic. Studies show that playing improves memory and promotes growth of brain . Let us not hold back ourselves from playing as games are both healthy and fun. 

As Bernard Shaw said "We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”. 

Friedrich Nietzsch assured that “In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.” 

Let us keep playing and keep the child in us alive. 

Let us remember and ponder over the words of Carl Jung - "The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”