Customer Reviews

Playing by Heart: The Vision and Practice of Belonging

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By "play," most of us think of games or sports--what Fred Donaldson calls "contest behavior." This is a book exploring non-contest behavior, which is practiced naturally by wild animals and children under 3, but which most of us have largely lost. Fred's discovery that reengaging in non-contest behavior is a universal language and a way of transforming relationship is of great power. I have taken one "Playshop" with Fred, and wish he were more available. This book is of great value in opening our eyes to the possibility of non-competitive relationship. I highly recommend it.

I read this in 1990s - so glad to find its clear compassionate describing, encouraging & enjoying real playing with children & animals that love being together here now. Modern tragedy of schools & parenting is hyper-controlling children to obay for approval & praise, grades & rewards. I totally recommend this book for encouraging you to open up, relax & enjoy kids presence is really fun. It tickles our inner child of magic trusting together now! [New Games Book]]

I've been playing with kids in free-form with: balls, water, frisbees, hide & seek, water play, tree climbing & GeoToys we make, etc. Kids love making rainbow paintings with fingers & palms are always different, unique like clouds with color. Asking them simple questions learning together. What about free form clay making games? Hiking or playing in nature? Asking kids fair open ?? now is fun being open to any goofy answers. Kids love swinging around, hide & seek, chasing & rolling down hills, even food massage. So there's infinite potential for creative games & quiet cuddling. There's no other books, except maybe 'New Games' (more structured) showing fun cooperative group games with rules.

But 'Playing by Heart' is more free flowing, sensitive, caring, even healing of fears shyness & abuse by cooperating together trusting our instincts, emotions & respecting each other now. I heard from a friend who when to a playshop it was wonderful! Is anyone else doing that now, outside of home or in nature with kids? We really need to loosen up to enjoy children, animals, weather & deep relaxing after playing?

This book is a wonderful teacher. It tells the story of how Fred discovered a universal language of play and how he shares it with the world. Get it. Read it. I have done and his method of Original Play and it has been influential in my life. A keystone to how I live my life.
Peace