Delighted to recieve a message from Frank Forencich, a physical
philsopher (that sounds about right) from Seattle whose site and
practice, Go Animal, already has a very evolved play ethic, based on solid research into mammalian play and
development. He's read my book, and has done me the honour of devoting
one of his newsletters to it, titled 'There oughta be an ethic'.
I really like his attempt at a table of work(out) ethic - play ethic attributes - and the astute observation that there might be some kind of loop (he goes as far as a yin-yang symbol) between the two. Ultimately, yes: but for the moment, I think there needs to be a clear critique of the joylessness of the work ethic, from a play paradigm that's renewed in confidence and power. For myself, I prefer the finite-game/infinite-game vision: the deadlines we need to meet, the skills and craft we need to master, in order that we can sustain our visionary lives. (Professor Carse again).
But that players need to attend to their energy levels to maintain their elemental engagement, whether the energy is spiritual, psychological, physical - or the union of all three - is Frank's strong point. And it's well taken. I recommend his book, Play As If Your Life Depends On It, highly.
