Daily Meditation for February 24, 2025

Some hardworking Americans are suspicious of having fun. They think too much play means wasted time, diminished productivity, mental laxity. In studying the behaviors of many mammal and animal species, scientists are discovering the power of play as a key factor in brain development, physical growth, adaptation and socialization. Elephants and chimpanzees are two of the most playful and intelligent animals. Chimps are known to be highly social and curious. They are creative problem-solvers (say scientists) and seem to enjoy a challenge. Mother elephants teach their young calves the marvelous potentials of a trunk. Splashing and playing in the water and rolling in the dust are cool ways to have fun while getting clean. As for us hardworking Americans? Maybe we don’t need to be swinging from trees or learning to manage a trunk, but finding human play might be an important way for us to develop our social, intellectual, creative potential. Pickleball, anyone?

By Christian Morris, OSB