“Play teaches that I have a choice beyond survival and contesting with the world. This choice to thrive is based on a trust in the power to love and to give this love unconditionally at the moment of attack, and after the worst of atrocities. The choice to be neither an aggressor nor a victim increases my opportunities exponentially. Only when I stop my dependence on self-defense can I begin to thrive. There is no safety in such a fearful, contest world that leaves little or no room for living the miracle of love. When we thrive we feel loved and are able to give love. Fear may impel us to survive, but it is love that propels us to feel alive, sustains our vitality, and restores our humanity. We are seeking the experience of being alive. The difficulty is that for us to find it, we must not be afraid of life.” – Fred Donaldson
“Play, while it cannot change the external realities of children’s lives, can be a vehicle for children to explore, enjoy their differences and similarities, and to create, even for a brief time, a more just world where everyone is an equal and valued participant.” – Patrica G. Ramsey
“Many research studies have shown that children and adults are more creative when they are playing than when they are trying to impress a judge or win a reward.” – Peter Gray
“Play is the exultation of the possible.” – Martin Buber
“Play is the ideal context for practicing new skills or trying out new ways of doing things precisely because play has no real-world con-sequence. Nobody is judging, no trophy is on the line, no teammates will be let down, and so the player is free to fail. With freedom to fail comes freedom to experiment. The playworld is a simulation world, a safe and funplace to practice for the real world” – Peter Gray
What is Parkour Vision?
What is parkour vision? Its walking through the world and, instead of asking ‘what is allowed?’ You ask ‘what is possible?’
This is a subtle but incredibly profound shift in perception and mindset. You learn to focus on creating new possibilities and writing your own story, instead of listening to the limitations set by others.
And… As your vision grows, you will begin to see opportunities to challenge the status quo in all areas of your personal life, work, and community.
-C.Pontrella