‘It is a joy to be hidden, but disaster not to be found.’

D.W. Winnicott, 1965

This story was partly inspired by re-reading Winnicott’s iconic book Playing and Reality, and thinking about the traditional, well-loved game of hide-and-seek, and realising that although it appears simple, it is actually rich with meaning. No wonder it has endured for centuries and throughout the world! Hide-and-seek reflects a child’s personal development. It’s a game that deals with both sides of our selves - the private, ‘hidden’ self, and the communal, public self. We love to hide, but being found, being discovered for who you are, is also a great joy. Hide-and-seek is a game of aloneness and togetherness, and the power and intensity of both.

 It occurred to me too that the structure of this game mirrors a story structure – the setting off on the adventure of finding a place to hide, the thrill of being hidden and the mounting tension of hearing the searchers looking for you, the moments of suspense, the threat that maybe you won’t be discovered, that you’ll be abandoned, and finally the resolution of being found.

I hope you enjoy playing hide and seek!