Deep Play

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by Diane Ackerman,

Illustrated by Peter Sis

Random House, Inc

Due/Published August 2000, 256 pages, paper

ISBN 0679771352

With A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman let her free-ranging intellect loose on the natural world. Now in Deep Play she tackles the realm of creativity, by exploring one of the most essential aspects of our characters: the abitlity to play.
"Deep play" is that more intensified form of play that puts us in a rapturous mood and awakens the most creative, sentient, and joyful aspects of our inner selves. As Ackerman ranges over a panoply of artistic, spiritual, and athletic activities, from spiritual rapture through extreme sports, we gain a greater sense of what it means to be "in the moment" and totally, transcendentally human. Keenly perceived and written with poetic exuberance, Deep Play enlightens us by revealing the manifold ways we can enhance our lives.

Review

Deep Play is an enchanting reflection on the human journey and the wonderful ways in which play fosters our creative capacities. From mountain climbing, gospel singing, and writing to running and painting, Diane Ackerman argues that these varied activities constitute a single transcendent experience of deep play. “Basic play, elaborate play, crude play, sophisticated play, violent play, casual play...But it’s a special caliber of play -- deep -- that leads to transcendence, creativity, and a need for the sacred. Indeed it’s our passion for deep play that makes us the puzzling and at times resplendent beings we are.” Living within the space, time, and spirit of deep play results in a more self-fulfilled life of joy and creativity. Deep Play transforms pieces of the world into a playground thereby opening up the possibility for enjoying deeper and more rewarding play.