Love this post, and it's my first introduction to the term 'deep play'. I'm familiar with taking a break from work, of course, but will really be playing (ha!), with this concept more and to incorporate more of it into my life... Especially at the hardest times, when it seems I should keep cranking and working harder.
May 16, 2023·edited May 16, 2023Liked by Jenn McClearen
This might be your most important post. You describe how we all need playful activity to truly rejuvenate - my choices are pastel drawing, hiking, cooking, and fantasy football. Working all the time is just boring - deep play makes us interesting. And your description of gaming as a form of deep play made me finally understand my husband's passion for video games!
Great ideas. I have long found that the truly productive writers have developed routines that support sustainable, long-term productivity.
I can recall working with the late Dr. Neil Harl from Iowa State University on a research project. Many of his meetings with research assistants were conducted while walking across campus, often in the cold and crisp Iowa winters. The meetings were short, focused, and intense but provided direction for weeks, if not months, of work.
Extended walks in the forest have long been one of my ways of breaking a mental log jam. I have never been as quick and effective as Dr. Harl but he has remained an inspiration.
Looooved this post, Jenn! Such an amazing reminder, and one I'll be carrying with me this month when I feel overwhelmed and know that breaking away from work to play is actually the key to feeling more in control, calm, and playful.
Love this post, and it's my first introduction to the term 'deep play'. I'm familiar with taking a break from work, of course, but will really be playing (ha!), with this concept more and to incorporate more of it into my life... Especially at the hardest times, when it seems I should keep cranking and working harder.
This might be your most important post. You describe how we all need playful activity to truly rejuvenate - my choices are pastel drawing, hiking, cooking, and fantasy football. Working all the time is just boring - deep play makes us interesting. And your description of gaming as a form of deep play made me finally understand my husband's passion for video games!
Great ideas. I have long found that the truly productive writers have developed routines that support sustainable, long-term productivity.
I can recall working with the late Dr. Neil Harl from Iowa State University on a research project. Many of his meetings with research assistants were conducted while walking across campus, often in the cold and crisp Iowa winters. The meetings were short, focused, and intense but provided direction for weeks, if not months, of work.
Extended walks in the forest have long been one of my ways of breaking a mental log jam. I have never been as quick and effective as Dr. Harl but he has remained an inspiration.
Looooved this post, Jenn! Such an amazing reminder, and one I'll be carrying with me this month when I feel overwhelmed and know that breaking away from work to play is actually the key to feeling more in control, calm, and playful.
Great advice against the horrendous "brain fog".