Original Play is the courage to be kind and safe in all situations.  This practice is a way of relating to the world that transforms patterns of fear, aggression and violence into love, kindness and belonging. Original Play conveys a message of connection that is a powerful alternative to fear and contest behavior.  It allows us to effectively respond to aggression, violence and other unproductive behaviors while maintaining self esteem and not diminishing the esteem of others.

Original Play is not about games, sports, winning, losing, playing a game or having fun.  These  culturally-based behaviors are not part of Original Play.

Original Play is a physiological and psychological process.  It is not a cognitive exercise but instead combines cognitive, affective and sensory-motor learning processes.  Therefore, to fully understand Original Play requires that you experience it rather than simply talk about it. 

The skills found in Original Play result from years of play experiences and research with children, adults and animals around the world.  The term "Original Play"  and descriptions of this process were first coined by O. Fred Donaldson, Ph.D.

The way we connect with people and the world around us dramatically shapes our everyday lives.  For this reason Original Play is applicable to many areas including business, education, family relationships and health.  In Original Play we demonstrate that there are better ways to spend energy than in postures of self-defense and contest behavior.  In Original Play we discover that love is more powerful than fear.