How many of you remember playing in a sandbox when you were very young? We would go to the playground and there would be a huge sandbox. We got into the sandbox and dug into the sand, tossed it around. Filled your pail if you had one. You could not have any water in the sandbox so you could not make sand castles. But whatever else you could do, throw sand on the other kids, toss the sand in the air, get it all over your clothes and in your shoes, silly stuff like that. Then get out, try to shake it all off of your body and go home.

For little kids this was great fun, until you got older and realized that being in a sandbox was for youngsters and you were growing up. So what was the real value of the sandbox? Why have one for kids to play in and toss sand around to no particular end? My theory although I have never discussed it with anyone, is that the sandbox was not for a goal of any kind but just for kids to have fun doing much of nothing and thoroughly enjoying it.

So I ask where or what is your sandbox? Do you have something that relaxes you and gives you pleasure with or without a particular goal in the end. If it results in something tangibile, then great, but the role of the sandbox is to allow one to enjoy whatever it is for the sake of enjoyment. If it’s flying a kite, meditating, woodworking, jogging, reading, baking cookies, writing, playing with the children or the entire family, taking a walk alone, playing with your pet, playing an instrument, or painting. Whatever the source of your pleasure, we all need sandboxes of our own. The sandbox is essential in our daily lives, for our health.

Therefore my lesson from the sandbox I played in when I was young, is to remember that pleasure does not have to result in a tangible goal, the sandbox was just for serious enjoyment and possible abandonment. Find your sandbox and use it often. Lift your spirit as you enjoy the youthful gift from the sandbox. We need more sandboxes in our lives.