A Whole New MInd Chapters 8 and 9

Chapter 8's topic was play. The concept of laughter clubs was brought up in this chapter. At first, well, I thought the concept of this kind of funny. It seemed weird to me to have a laughter club, but I understand what Pink says about laughter being infectious. When other people around me start to laugh, I start to laugh as well even though I might not know what they were laughing at. It goes back to the concept of empathy in chapter 7.

I think that play is necessary in life. Poeple can not be serious all the time. There has to be time to relax and play so the stress of the workplace will not be overwhelming. One way that people can do this is by playing games. Pink says that games are actually not as bad as parents think for thier children. It can actually teach thier children lessons. Pink also says that games are not only for children, but that it can also be used for adults, and is good to get away from other things. I agree with him. People get into a routine every day, and do not change what they do. This can be boring eventually. Some change is needed.

At the end of the chapter in the portfolio, Pink suggests that we play more right-brain games. He also says to dissect a joke. This can be done to find a deeper comprehension of the joke. This can be important as well, to see why people laugh at certain things, and what people get enjoyment out of.

The next chapter talks about the topic meaning. In this chapter Pink talks about the spiritual side of life and religion. He tells us to take spirituality seriously. Religion could be very helpful in our lives and even for our health. He says that people who believe in religion lead healthier and calmer lives. I find him to be correct with this concept as well, at least for me. I like to think of myself as a pretty religious person. I pray quite often and go to church as well, but this does not necessarily mean that I am religious. I have a deeper understanding for my religion and actually take part in it, and I believe that it helps me and makes me calmer when doing so.

In the portfolio section of this chapter Pink raises the question: what would you do if you inherited $20 million dollars, or what would you do if yo found out that you had at most 10 years to live? If you whould change how you live then Pink says that you should think of how you live your life now. I thought this was interesting as well, because I think that if anyone received either one of those questions above they would change around his/her life somehow. I know I would, but it still did not change me from doing what I am doing now on a day to day basis.