Today's episode is inspired by the suddenly gorgeous spring (summer?) weather we've been having in Chicago this week. It's also about developing a "play ethic" (as opposed to merely a "work ethic), and reflecting on how playfulness is fundamental to a generative spirituality.

Dr. Stuart Brown is a psychiatrist and the founder of the National Institute for Play. He defines play as engaging in an activity for enjoyment, rather than for a serious or practical reason. Play has seven properties:

1. it is apparently purposeless;
2. it is voluntary;
3. there is an inherent attraction to it;
4. while doing it there is freedom from time;
5. it diminishes the consciousness of self;
6. it has improvisational potential (open, not ridged); and
7. it has a continuation desire which makes you want to do it more.

I also mention the thoughtful and new-ish book by Brian Edgar, The God Who Plays: A Playful Approach to Theology and Spirituality. If I ever take a sabbatical, I want "play" to be the theme I focus on!

Feedback? I'd love to hear from you at [email protected]. Thanks for listening, friends. You are loved and never alone!