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The Way of Play
The Way of Play was born from the reflections and dreams of Benny Thompson and Benji Roots. Both of us had travelled independently, discovering the power of playful connection beyond language and culture—how a smile and a curious approach could create meaningful interactions with people around the world. Upon returning home, we each realised that the world was yearning for more opportunities to feel and heal through playful connection and laughter.
We continued to follow our unique playful pathways until early 2023 when we met at an eco-regenerative retreat and, by chance, both enrolled in a playfight facilitation course in sunny Portugal. Little did we know, this encounter would spark a collaboration full of wonder and even greater possibility!
Since then, we’ve continued to merge our passionate energies (“benergy”) at festivals across the UK, creating play spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds. As our efforts grew, we were invited into more schools and businesses.
Witnessing the transformative power of these inner-child connection workshops firsthand, we quickly recognized the profound importance of this work. Though The Way of Play is still in its early stages, the impact has been remarkable. Through the simple yet powerful exploration of re-wilding, re-childing, and re-tribing, we’ve seen extraordinary shifts in mental well-being and community connection.
Myoho Valley Retreats
A Transformational Sanctuary in the Heart of Portugal
Nestled in the serene landscapes of central Portugal, Myoho Valley Retreats offers an off-grid sanctuary for individuals to immerse themselves in community and reconnect with the natural flow of life.
Explore permaculture, eco-building, health and wellness retreats, or create your own unique journey into creativity.
Our vision is to develop a Way of Play space, featuring rustic play parks, treetop nets, and a communal workshop area.
Open to all seeking transformation, Myoho Valley Retreats invites you to sync with nature’s rhythm, ignite your passion, and cultivate purpose within a loving community.
Benji Roots
My big adventure began in late 2012 after I was kicked off his physiotherapy degree on the first day of the final year. After some contemplation, I told his uni friends, “I’m gonna travel for 10 years.”
With little money but lots of passion, I continued to find unexpected ways to keep the adventure alive. From guiding ‘river surfers’ down grade 3 rapids in New Zealand to organic farming in California, busking in streets to living in abandoned Spanish caves, or crashing with newly found friends, spontaneity and excitement led the way.
Many years and many chapters later, I continue my voyage across the continents and creative collaborations. However, now more than ever, I’m devoted to creating empowering spaces through sound & play, aiming to cultivate joyful connection and community.
About Benny Thompson
I have always been driven by a spirit of adventure and play. Growing up with three older brothers, playfighting was a constant activity in our household, fueling my love for physical challenges and exploration.
My enthusiasm for adventure led me to various sports such as gymnastics, rugby, breakdancing, and snowboarding. Eager to explore beyond the conventional path, I left the school system and embarked on a backpacking journey through Asia, riding horseback in the Kyrgyzstan mountains, teaching English, and snorkeling in the Turkish sea.
This journey eventually brought me back to England, where I sought a deeper connection with my ancestral roots.
A significant turning point in my life occurred when I attended a men’s retreat with Menspidition, an experience that strengthened my sense of brotherhood and personal growth. This newfound perspective led me to meet Benji Roots at Primal Gathering in early 2023, where we discovered the transformative power of Playfight. I instantly knew this is what I was born to do. From then on, I trained as a Playfight facilitator and introduced Playfight at festivals, creating spaces where people could connect through spontaneous play and joy.
After a period of introspection following a personal heartbreak, I co-founded The Way of Play with Benji, dedicating myself to a journey of self-love and creative expression. Today, I am committed to building this growing community, exploring the playful mysteries of life, and fostering joy, curiosity, and meaningful connections.
The Way of Play
The Way of Play is born from the challenges and dreams of our individual and collective path. Our joint adventure began in early 2023, after we met at a eco-regenerative retreat and then unknowingly both signed up to a playfight facilitation course in sunny Portugal. Little did we know, this chance encounter would spark a collaboration full of wonder and possibility!
From then on, we weaved and combined our unique energy (the benergy) at festivals across the UK, hosting play-spaces for all ages and backgrounds. Witnessing the transformative power of these inner-child connection workshops firsthand, we began to realised there is something truly special here.
Though The Way of Play is in it’s early stages, the impact felt is truly remarkable. By the simple yet profound exploration of re-wilding, re-childing, and re-tribing, there have been extraordinary shifts in mental well-being and community connection.
Come join us on this joyful adventure and rediscover your magic along The Way of Play!
