Playing doesn't mean we don't get hurt by experiencing challenges or setbacks, etc. It refers to the nature and energy of the way we move through things. In flow, letting go, passing the torch, becoming what's next and belonging at every step of our constantly moving/changing experience.
"Music as an art form is essentially playful. We say you play the piano; you don’t work the piano. Why? Music differs from travel. When you travel, you are trying to get somewhere. And of course, because being a very compulsive and purposive culture, we are busy getting everywhere faster and faster and faster till we eliminate the distance between places."