When we were kids, everyone thought it was important for us to play. They even set up this weird thing called “recess” where we could encounter the awesome world of the playground. They knew it was good for us then, but what about now? As adults, no one seems to care about recess for us anymore. It was good for us then, and it’s vital for us now. But how do we find a playground like we had back then? One that’s a world unto itself? I started this show for that very reason. There are no teachers watching out for us now. We have to prioritize play for ourselves.

In this episode, part two of a three-part series on finding a great playground, we’ll revisit Dr. Stuart Brown’s properties of play and how I found them at Burning Man. Like the playground at school – it was a world unto itself. It cut us off from the world of expectations and homework only to leave us with possibility and exploration. We can find it as adults. I found it at Burning Man. I invite you to share with me the other places where you find your own “Secret Gardens” and playgrounds.

We’ll also meet an old friend of mine from the other side of the world who has a very special message for all of us.

Show notes:

Mark Azoulay, “a psychotherapist in Boulder, CO that helps people explore and destroy the unconscious motivations and barriers that cripple them.” Check out his blog!

Dr. Stuart Brown’s book, Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul