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Elana ShyongCreative facilitator & trainer

Enchanted Gathering 2025: Why Play Is a Way of Knowing and Connecting

· 1 min read

Elana on a beach at sunset with text: cultivating connection through play

Every day I am reminded what a privilege it is to do what I love - play! Not just as performance or fun, but as a way of knowing, connecting, and engaging with the world around us. 🎭✨

From drama class in school to using it as a tool for creative self expression in university, play has grown from something I loved into something I live and now, into a practice I share with others. Again, what a privilege!

Next month I’ll be returning to the Enchanted gathering at Selgars Mill (July 10–13) as a facilitator and I am so looking forward to facilitating a session on my lifelong passion:

cultivating connection through play.

This session will be using some of my favorite tools - games, shared stories, and joy - to build connection with ourselves and each other.

I truly do believe:

✨ Play is not childish, it’s inherent

✨ Storytelling is a deeply powerful tool for connection and empathy

✨ ...and learning doesn't need to be "serious" to be transformative!

If any of this resonates with you, or if you're curious about what other wonderful sessions with Morgane Oléron Anton Chernikov Hannah Lyons-Tsai Ines Castagnet Floris Koot (to name just a few) are happening at Enchanted this year, I hope to see you there! 🌍💛

#ConnectionThroughPlay #StorytellingMatters #EmbodiedLearning #JoyfulLearning #AppliedTheatre #Facilitation #SelgarsMill #PlayIsPowerful #Enchanted2025

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