Medical, psychiatrist and clinical researcher Stuart Brown founded The National Institute of Play. He tells us among many things, freedom and chaos so often suppressed is necessary for emotional regulation. He quotes - ‘the opposition of play is depression’. Neotony in adults = adaptability.
Edith Ackermann’s Pedagogical Perspective on Tinkering & Making
an interview with the Swiss-born American psychologist who explored the interactions between developmental psychology, play, learning and design. I feel I resonate a lot with her attitude towards play- the emphasis on curiosity, rich materials, observation, different ways of seeing, giving it a go not having to get it right, playful perseverance and joyous leaps of faith.
Lost Connections with Johann Hari
I’ve recently finished the best selling book “Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression- and the Unexpected Solutions”. A wealth of information is in this book- he did some solid research. Among the solutions are interconnection (community, family), meaningful study and/or work, meditation, mudita (sympathetic joy), healing childhood trauma, and the awareness to discern intrinsic from extrinsic values that are causing suffering.