“The more complex the mind…the greater the need for the simplicity of play” – Captain Kirk on “Star Trek: The Original Series – Shore Leave”.
The human brain is complex organ with millions synaptic impulses each day in a complex chain of reactions. But we as humans must give are brains a small respite in the form of play.
Play takes many forms – complex games, sporting events, simple games, and even just mucking around. There are even those who have made a profession out of “play” as a professional sports player.
In the quote above, members of the U.S.S. Enterprise beam down to a planet that is supposedly devoid of all life outside the flora and fauna. But, when they start making references to stories and memories of younger days and historic events; they come to life – a large white rabbit followed by a girl, an Academy classmate, an old girlfriend, a knight in shining armour, etc. When the “caretaker” of the planet meets Captain Kirk he informs them that the planet was created as a place for them to “play” – an amusement park.
We don’t have a planet to make our dreams and wishes come true but there are many opportunities abound for play be it a child or as an adult.
I am one of those people who cannot just sit still and do nothing. I must be DOING something…even if it is just reading a book. But I do have a few online games I play each night just to help me wind down. But even those require some thinking and figuring things out. I can sit still for hours….IF I have something to do.
In Rochester, New York is The Strong Museum filled with interactive exhibits aimed at play and playtime. Among the exhibits is a post office and a grocery store. On the second floor of the museum is the National Toy Hall of Fame where among the toys on display is a stick, a cardboard box, and even Linus’ blanket. One of the criteria for a toy to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is longevity and the ability to spart the imagination. Just because we are playing does not mean that we cannot also be learning. Sometime play is the best way to learn; are brains are not so concentrated on the complexities of learning.
Play, in its many and varied forms, is just as important to our brains and bodies as is working…and even life itself.