“Play is not merely idle time; it’s an opportunity to experiment with new interests and to draw closer to other people.”
Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal by Gretchen Rubin
When we play with others we learn about ourselves, have fun, and build trust.
The more we play together in smaller groups or small communities the more we learn from and about each other. And, the more we organically build trust and commitment to one another.
As small communities grow through play, word spreads. Trust accumulates across boundaries among different types of people and they grow closer. Bridges emerge to create more interaction and Community and Communities develop.
In community, for Community.
Why does it matter? Through people and play in smaller communities, and across larger Communities, we may begin to bring back more joy, fun, and wellbeing to individuals and Society overall.
In other words, play and playfulness can help create and provide safe spaces to build bridges with others who have opposing views. These same individuals enrich our lives simply because they think differently.
One woman who thought differently about community and inclusion was Frances Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girls Scouts. She sought to “build one great movement, serving all girls of all races and backgrounds.”
We all share the responsibility for the whole community….And it is not just corporations, but all organizations, agencies, universities, and military units share the responsibility for the whole community.
Frances Hesselbein
Our larger Community has come unglued in 2020. More playfulness in smaller communities may just be the bridge required to help build back stronger Communities. And maybe just maybe it’s time to get over it. Over that bridge.
A society made up of small ‘c’ communities and large ‘C’ Communities where like Frances suggested — we all acknowledge, accept and fulfill our shared “responsibility for the whole community” may just be the ticket.
Building the future together
