PLAYING BY HEART
with Fred Donaldson
Original Play is a gift from creation
that connects all of life.
It conveys the message that "You are
loveable and that there is nothing to fear." Original Play promotes a sense
of belonging, which is the most powerful alternative to human fear and contest
behavior. Original Play is manifested by a sequenced pattern of touch, which
allows you to lovingly respond to aggression and violence while maintaining
self-esteem and not diminishing the esteem of the other person. O. Fred
Donaldson, Ph.D., who has been studying play with children, adults and animals
for nearly three decades, coined the term "Original Play."
Play is a fundamental developmental factor
in the lives of humans and other species from birds to primates.
- It keeps us fit physically and mentally.
- It helps us to learn and promotes creativity.
- It fosters belonging and cooperation.
- Play allows us to develop alternatives to violence and despair.
- We learn perseverance and gain optimism through regular play.
On the other hand, play deprivation, excesses, and distortions damage healthy
development. Play isn’t trivial. It shapes who we are and what we will become.
Gaining knowledge of play’s deeper meaning allows us to gain greater benefit
in our individual, group, and political lives.
"The play of which I am speaking isn’t naturally competitive. In fact, it
is the opposite-naturally cooperative. The basis of this play is kindness and
belonging. In play, one’s self-esteem is not based on the loss of others’
esteem. As a result of constant contesting adults suffer from what I call
cardiosclerosis, or "hardening of the heart." Play heals this
isolation and separation and helps humans deal with change and surprise without
the need for either victimization or attack."
For more information on Fred Donaldson and play go to www.originalplay.com