The Power of Play

I've been half-jokingly calling this summer of transition my "Asheville summer camp". I truly think you'd have to make a sincere effort not to play in such a glorious location. From long walks along the peaceful Swananoa to dancing in drum circles in Pritchard Park, I've been surrendering to the spirit of play that seems to bubble up just from being here.

One of my favorite playgrounds is water, and Western North Carolina has a host of pristine rivers, streams and lakes--though most have been severely affected by the prolonged drought in the southeast. Nevertheless, I was delighted to find a near perfect swimming hole at Hooker Falls in the Dupont Forest. Though hardly a wilderness area, it's a gathering place for all shapes, sizes and colors of swimmers, looking for a respite from the August heat. The squeals and giggles remind me of otters chasing each other through the slippery rocks. What other choice do you have but to jump in too?

In my serious pursuit of recreation, I was also delighted to listen to Krista Tippet's interview with Stuart Brown, the Director of the National Institute for Play. Dr. Brown's years of study in medicine and psychiatry ultimately led him to become the nation's first champion of play when he started the institute at the age of 62. Hear more about the science of play and it's invaluable role in our formation as humans and the hope of the planet. http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/

With that kind of scientific backing, I may just play the whole rest of the summer! Y'know, for the good of the planet and all.