In our overworked culture filled with depression, anxiety, loneliness, and an abundance of digital distractions, we have long-ignored one of the most important aspects of personal and community development – play.
According to Dr. Stuart Brown of the National Institute of Play, “Depression and anxiety can be caused by play deficit. We are built to play and built through play.”
In Greene County, the percentage of adult men who struggle with suicidal ideation is significantly above national averages. Finding ways for men to connect and encourage one another in person is a cultural challenge.
Play is imperative to help everyone be their best – period.
Former major-league pitcher Dr. Tom House is probably best known for being the person who caught Hank Aaron’s 715th homerun in April of 1974. Almost 50 years later, Dr. House said, “You can change someone’s life with one game of catch.”
Playing catch is an exercise in joy, communication, and connection, all of which support physical, mental, and relational health. It grounds the participants in the present moment, encourages movement outdoors, increases meaningful conversation, and focuses on fun for fun’s sake.
For the 30 days of November, several community leaders have been challenged to play catch. These leaders will be playing catch with other men, posting pictures and commentary online, and encouraging others to get active and connected through play.
Leaders use their strengths, time, and energy to help others be their best. Through the simple game of catch, these Springfield leaders will be using play to help build a better community, one throw at a time.
I will also be playing catch for the month of November, raising money to support the on-going work of Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO).
CPO uses its strengths, time, and energy to help southwest Missouri be its best.
In the last year, CPO’s work impacted more than 111,000 people. CPO helped:
*Provide more than 12,000 bed nights during the worst of the cold
*Dispose of 151.25 tons of waste from the community
*Distribute 72,000 pounds of local produce
*More than 6,000 people file their taxes for free
*Refer 5,000 people for mental health services
Just like playing catch brings people together to be their best, CPO brings the community together to create a better place for all.
If you are interested in making a donation to support the incredible work of CPO, go here.
If you are interested in participating the 30 Days of Catch challenge, or if you just want to play catch, send an email to: ebryan@cpozarks.org.
Throwvember is coming.
Every catch counts.
