North Churchill, Manitoba. November.
A huge, rather hungry polar bear stands in front of the photographer’s dogs. The dogs are tied up, they can’t escape–in front of the bear is a female husky….
What will happen?
What do you think about what happens in the video, between the bear and the dog?
When we are in a playful state and receive playful signals, we are able to explore possibilities that we might not otherwise find. Even more so in situations in which it seems that everything is already decided and defined by the power and force dynamics at play.
It doesn’t just happen among “other” animals.
Our attitude directly affects the behavior of others, who are our mirrors.
It is a mental aptitude for critical thinking and curiosity. It is a mindset that looks at the world in a playful, curious and creative way.
(Adam Savage)
Stuart Brown, is a psychiatrist and a pioneer in play research; his scientific research shows that play is not only fun and energizing:
“Playing is more than just fun-it is vital.” (Stuart Brown)
The act of playing is closely related to human development and intelligence.
Many of the games of childhood help create happy and intelligent adults-but the most interesting thing is that continuing to do these things can make us smarter at any age.
In the video, Brown shows us a 15th-century table, depicting a courtyard, in which everyone plays…
…are people of all ages…are engaged in games of all kinds…. individual games, group games, body games…
Perhaps, as Brown says since then, we have lost something…?
How is it possible to have a playful attitude? There are many different ways, starting from habits and attitudes that are easy to introduce into one’s life to actual methodologies that enable us to transform ourselves.
Start right away by experimenting, in a very simple but effective way.
Walk down the street and smile at people you meet. Sure, some people may think you’re a strange person because there aren’t as many people smiling around anymore, but you’ll probably be amazed at how many people respond to you with a wonderful smile.
At the end of the day, write down in your notepad how many people responded to you smiling, perhaps amazed.
If you keep doing this and taking notes of what happens, you’ll find yourself observing and discovering nuances, in people and situations, that you didn’t think could exist.
If you would like to learn more about the PLAYFULNESS methodology and get guidance on how to apply it to develop intelligence and talents, to live and learn better, please contact me
The video clip is from the TED VIDEO “Stuart Brown at Serious Play 2008″ Play is more than just fun
