Deep Nature Play: A Guide to Wholeness, Aliveness, Creativity, and Inspired Learning

This is the author's most valuable book in his 40 years of leading nature activities. This kind of hands-on learning process can awaken our spiritual self, which is exactly what we need in these times. ~ Shiao Shu-Bih (Yangmingshan National Park Management Office natural experience extension)

I found Mr. Cornell'S book, |"Deep Nature Play", extremely interesting for a number of reasons. He tends to call the games "play" but they are much more than that aspect, which he does realize. The "games" that he writes about are exercises that will connect the game player with a part of himself that is extremely important for him to be able to touch. As a practicing clinical psychologist, I plan to tell my clients about this book and how the games he suggests can be used to lessen the stress in.their lives. Couples can do the games to help connect on a deeper level with each other as trust and rapport building are natural to the games. Families can do these games to build closer relationships within the family. Instead of , "A Girl's Night Out ", or "A Boy's Night Out", make it an " Afternoon Out ", taking a walk in nature with your friends. It will be much more beneficial for you. Besides,the games are just fun to do. These are excellent mindfulness exercises that you can do with others. Of course, you can just take a walk in the woods by yourself and do some of the games. You just need to do it.

I am a nature enthusiast and I found in Deep Nature Play revelations and techniques that supports one to enjoy nature longer with more depth and inner connection. Providing a deeper understanding of nature and playing, this book not only shares with us that nature connectedness is profoundly uplifting but also how to make that personal connection more easily through the delight of play. I highly recommend this book and I will keep it nearby to refer to it again and again.

Play and Children? It’s a sad commentary on modern society that there’s a need to write a testimonial in favor of this connection. But Joseph Cornell has succeeded brilliantly in highlighting a profound misconception that has crept into education. Both in this book and in his earlier Sharing Nature series, Cornell has shown that play is a natural and even vital component of real learning. If we follow his advice and focus more on play and imagination, instead of the continued harping on test scores and increased homework loads, we will see the happy, well-balanced children that everyone really wants.Nitai Deranja, Cofounder of Education for Life International and author of For Goodness’ Sake: Supporting Children and Teens in Discovering Life's Highest Values

Play is such a fascinating word that one can hardly resist.And here Joseph is telling us we should play and providing insightful guidelines for a rewarding experience. There is a wealth of benefits in play. Even more, it is essential to have deep play experience. In particular, deep nature play experience would be able to give a profound “upgrade” of our well-being.There are many interesting examples. And I am especially thankful for those examples of deep nature play experience graciously shared with us in the book. Even on an imaginary journey through the words, one may be able to feel some portion of the wonder, the peace, the harmony, the oneness, the connections with all creatures.I highly recommend this book to everyone. Hope it would nourish the childlike spirit within you that would help you to feel the wonder and joy in nature and in life.

In his newest book, Deep Nature Play, author and world-renowned nature educator Joseph Cornell illustrates the importance of play as an integral part of the human experience. His groundbreaking work comes along at a time perhaps more relevant than ever before. In an era where separation and opposing ideals are ever-present in the media, Deep Nature Play explains that engaging in simple, childlike play can enhance one’s open-mindedness, eagerness to learn, and ability connect and empathize with others. Through vivid storytelling and detailing nature activities for adults and children to try, Cornell provides an innovative and vital framework for how people can intensify their awareness while clearing the mind and sharpening the senses.Furthermore, Cornell articulates with robust clarity the significance of cultivating creativity and how to strengthen our ability to learn. He supports these claims through fascinating scientific research, including how a child’s brain develops as the child has new experiences. He goes on to point out that as we age, our volume of new experiences often decreases and our sense of wonder is stunted as a result. Therefore, Cornell argues, it’s essential to have new, deep experiences in nature where we can test new behaviors and thoughts, ultimately shaping a new self—full of new ideas and ways of being.Cornell’s depth of wisdom combined with his light-hearted and straightforward writing style is as refreshing as the topic of “play” itself. His writing reveals his passion for nature and how it can deeply impact our personal development and interpersonal relationships. This passion is infectious and embodies a sense of joy and wisdom that will surely be absorbed by anyone who reads Deep Nature Play. Parents and nature educators in particular will not only be well-equipped with new concepts, tools, and activities to share with their children and students, but they will be inspired to re-imagine and interact with nature in in a way that is as fresh as a forest after the first spring rain.

Arrived on time and in very good condition. Very pleased!I have read the book already! It is very interesting and inspiring and I have bought some more of his now.