As I listened to Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett interviewing Stuart Brown, a physician and director of the National Institute for Play, I thought of times I’ve spent playing with friends.  Jill and I creating Jill and Martha’s Relay.  Eric with two yellow domes behind his ears.  The creation of the cow milking lesson with Jody.

This webpage and podcast may open up some new ideas for you; it did for me.  AND it justified my sometimes circuitous routes to accomplishing tasks.  They’re talking about how important play is to the development of animals and children and how we need to keep play in our lives for the duration. 

Play is a most important element of creativity.  People know me for bringing toys to meetings to engage our playful side as we work.  I like to build play into collaboration because it builds trust, communication and open interaction.  If I’m struggling with a project, taking time out to play will loosen the gears and help me focus again.

A walk, playing with the cats, or weeding the garden can loosen my mind enough to find the answers.  I was talking with my neighbor the other day about a practice she uses that encourages all of us to find answers within ourselves.  I hope this site helps you find some of those answers.