I recommend "Play" by Stuart Brown. He goes through the science of play and confirms what you intuited. (Full confession, one year I felt that "play" was my word for that year and I was so embarrassed by it... now, far on the other side - older, maybe a wee bit wiser? - I see enrichment.)
You just called me back to a time long ago sitting inside my grandmother's Concord grape arbor; being with cousins, spinning tales and eating the purple fruit provided by our playhouse! I needed that today more than I can say. Thank you.
Play is important at any age. I remember my graduate school professors Playing volleyball twice a week at 4 PM. They usually beat the "too serious" students. Waldo
Finding the balance between carefree, playful times and seriousness has been a struggle for me for a number of years now. Your words are encouraging to me as I embark on this transitional period between college and professional life, where I'm trying to lean into the free time I've been blessed with while diligently pursuing job opportunities. I hope in this next phase of my life, I'll remember to take time to play independently and alongside good company.
My maternal Gma raised grapes, I too remember the joy of popping them in your mouth, embracing the thick, rich smell of the vineyard in the air - appreciate the memory!
You and Tristan, much enjoy, Jeff!
And agreed, most definitely a must do for me as well, even if only for a bit, tomorrow :)
Your mentioning Wordle inspires me to share its lesser known cousin*, Worldle (https://worldle.teuteuf.fr/) - guessing a country each day by its outline on the map. It's fun AND educational! :-) I've been getting quite good at it but am regularly stumped by the bonus round for guessing the flag...
They just added a new game called 'Where taken' where you can guess where in the world a particular photo was taken.
*I don't think there is any connection between the makers.
I think play is vital to our survival. We need times to just relax and let go without the worry of being productive. The way we get encouraged to monetise or hustle our hobbies is harmful because they then start being more work. Thanks for the encouragement.
I couldn’t cope with that Lego table though, I’d want to break in and play with the Lego.
Play, by definition for me, is an activity with no winners or losers. A game of pickleball or pinochle does NOT qualify as play. Those are competitive, which is not relaxing. Instead, play is hiking, beach combing, playing piano all alone, reading a book, walking in the park while listening to an audiobook or podcast, sewing, gardening, crafting, and savoring each nibble of tree/vine ripened fruit.
Such a beautiful image of you sneaking the grapes and enjoying all the different flavors of each. I absolutely love the playfulness of that.
If ever you wrote a post challenging an Enneagram Type One, this is it. I sat here thinking, “Wow, I should call a friend and go have brunch tomorrow. I don’t have to study and do chores all weekend.”
So, thank you for the nudge :)
I hope you and Tristan find some beautiful respite in Chile’. Thank you as always for your gentle points in the direction of wholeness.
I recommend "Play" by Stuart Brown. He goes through the science of play and confirms what you intuited. (Full confession, one year I felt that "play" was my word for that year and I was so embarrassed by it... now, far on the other side - older, maybe a wee bit wiser? - I see enrichment.)
You just called me back to a time long ago sitting inside my grandmother's Concord grape arbor; being with cousins, spinning tales and eating the purple fruit provided by our playhouse! I needed that today more than I can say. Thank you.
Play is important at any age. I remember my graduate school professors Playing volleyball twice a week at 4 PM. They usually beat the "too serious" students. Waldo
Finding the balance between carefree, playful times and seriousness has been a struggle for me for a number of years now. Your words are encouraging to me as I embark on this transitional period between college and professional life, where I'm trying to lean into the free time I've been blessed with while diligently pursuing job opportunities. I hope in this next phase of my life, I'll remember to take time to play independently and alongside good company.
My maternal Gma raised grapes, I too remember the joy of popping them in your mouth, embracing the thick, rich smell of the vineyard in the air - appreciate the memory!
You and Tristan, much enjoy, Jeff!
And agreed, most definitely a must do for me as well, even if only for a bit, tomorrow :)
I'm inspired to find some time for play. Hopefully I can find a moment tonight.
Your mentioning Wordle inspires me to share its lesser known cousin*, Worldle (https://worldle.teuteuf.fr/) - guessing a country each day by its outline on the map. It's fun AND educational! :-) I've been getting quite good at it but am regularly stumped by the bonus round for guessing the flag...
They just added a new game called 'Where taken' where you can guess where in the world a particular photo was taken.
*I don't think there is any connection between the makers.
Jeff, Good for you for finding some time to play! D
Thanks for the reminder. I need to stop working and go play with my kids.
I think play is vital to our survival. We need times to just relax and let go without the worry of being productive. The way we get encouraged to monetise or hustle our hobbies is harmful because they then start being more work. Thanks for the encouragement.
I couldn’t cope with that Lego table though, I’d want to break in and play with the Lego.
Play, by definition for me, is an activity with no winners or losers. A game of pickleball or pinochle does NOT qualify as play. Those are competitive, which is not relaxing. Instead, play is hiking, beach combing, playing piano all alone, reading a book, walking in the park while listening to an audiobook or podcast, sewing, gardening, crafting, and savoring each nibble of tree/vine ripened fruit.
Such a beautiful image of you sneaking the grapes and enjoying all the different flavors of each. I absolutely love the playfulness of that.
If ever you wrote a post challenging an Enneagram Type One, this is it. I sat here thinking, “Wow, I should call a friend and go have brunch tomorrow. I don’t have to study and do chores all weekend.”
So, thank you for the nudge :)
I hope you and Tristan find some beautiful respite in Chile’. Thank you as always for your gentle points in the direction of wholeness.