In my 20s and 30s parenting, schooling, and work kept me busy. To make life even more complicated I offered to be a surrogate mother for a couple.
After I gave birth to my surrogate son in 1987 I attended a dream retreat. Shortly after that weekend I started Jungian analysis, completed my social work studies, and began a doctoral program with an emphasis in depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
During my doctoral program I received dreams that asked me to re-claim play in my life. I sang out loud! danced, painted, re-searched my life….
I developed another kind of education program for myself. I sought out play! modern dance classes, singing workshops, InterPlay, Voice-Movement Therapy, 5 Rhythms, improvisational theatre and dance, clowning, and many other ‘ways to play’.
I re-membered what I loved to play with as a child and did more of that…
and then, I was led through a dream to create a dance video, Love’s Way: The Joy & Pain of Surrogacy and a play-based, depth-oriented practice Play=Peace.
Play comes naturally when we live authentically. ~Mary Alice
What Now?
My studio is based on the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. I’ve been hiking and camping on the peninsula since I was a kid and now have the pleasure of living where my Playful, Northwest Body feels most at home.
I love meeting with women one-on-one. Lets Talk!
My memoir entitled, I Would Have Named Him Peter.
What People are Saying
I realize that I know lots of ways to play. I’m becoming aware that, for good health, I/we need more and more intention devoted to a playful practice that has been the benefit of our conversation. Thanks for this gift. I see the light! ~Lynn Shaw-Ringham, Jung Society, Victoria, BC, CA
You are such a wonderful teacher, Mary Alice! You remind us that being inquisitive taps into our inner child and allows that child into the playfulness of life! ~Anita McCrary
I’ve been appreciating your passion and playfulness Mary Alice. Thought it was time I let you know.~Bernie DeKoven
Schedule a 30-minute phone consult with Mary Alice to learn more about the benefits of embracing the practice of ‘The Art of Playing in the Everyday’ and clarify your next steps. When you purchase, I will contact you to arrange a date and time to meet. $50 for a 30 minute consult.
