November 20th 2022: The Power of PLAY!

We live in troubled times in a troubled world. There is a looming climate crisis, and a growing gap between the rich and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is just a dream. Solutions to these problems will require a lot of hard work and a lot of deep thought. But we need something more... We need play.

Everyone needs to play. Animals play, and children play. Play is a part of life. But too often, as adults, we look at play as something we do that is fun but frivolous and unnecessary. Play is ranked below hard work. Perhaps, though, the play might complement the hard work and lead to transformation.

There are many reasons why play is important but three very important reasons are that play develops our creativity, play helps us to be present and finally play helps us to connect.  So, this week we are going to look at how the play might be a healthy response to the seemingly intractable problems in the world, not only for our own well-being but for the well-being of the entire Web of Life.

1st Reading: The Importance of Play in Adulthood, by Michael Forman, Wanderlust

2nd Reading : Remember to Play - A Poem by Jenny Justice