Jump for Joy! Photo Project
Showcasing the beauty of the human spirit - in mid air - around the world.

NEWSLETTER

Quote of the week:

"In the joy of others, lies our own, In the progress of others, rests our own, In the good of others abides our own" - Pramukh Swami Maharaj

This week something a little different:

*** I have been researching the importance of play as I feel it is a an essential aspect of my Jump for Joy! Photo Project. There seems to have been a lot of research and evidence validating the importance of play in children’s social and learning development.

Which seems blatantly obvious to me and it almost seems silly to do research to prove it.. I also believe this to be true for adults.. so here is some scientific research facts to back up my love to play theory that the world needs more fun, more play and more joy! 

According to an article called, Play, Creativity, and Lifelong Learning. Why Play Matters For Both Kids and Adults written by authors: Gina Kemp, M.A., Melinda Smith, M.A., Bernie DeKoven, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. A few of the main points on why we need to play and have fun more in everyday life: Play teaches us how to manage and transform our “negative” emotions and experiences.

It supercharges learning, helps us relieve stress, and connects us to others and the world around us. Play can also make work more productive and pleasurable.... 

"Play is often described as a time when we feel most alive, yet we often take it for granted and may completely forget about it. But play isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Play is as important to our physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising."

- Play connects us to others
- Play fosters creativity, flexibility, and learning
- Play is an antidote to loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression
- Play teaches us perseverance
- Play makes us happy
- Play helps us develop and improve our social skills
- Play teaches us how to cooperate with others
- Mutual play can heal emotional wounds

"Despite the power of play, somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us stop playing. We exchange play for work and responsibilities. When we do have some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than to engage in creative, brain-stimulating play. By giving ourselves permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, we can continue to reap its benefits throughout life.” to read the entire article: Play, Creativity, and Lifelong Learning.

Featured Jumper of the week: RICHARD DIAMOND!  

Q: What inspires you to want to jump for joy?
A: I just got inspired from the enthusiasm you have about your project; I had no idea what to expect but I thought it sounded like fun.

Q.What was your experience like doing the jumping photos?
A: I had an awesome experience "jumping for joy." It was actually much better than I ever could have hoped. Every jump seemed to have, inherent in the activity, more and more seeds of joy. It was truly a great experience for me.

Q: What inspires you in life?
A: I am inspired by Life, itself, being alive, being conscious and the anticipation of what comes next. I enjoy the ever present possibilities that life presents, and am very grateful to be alive on this planet at this time.

Q: What is/are your greatest passion(s) in life?
A: Hiking in nature, swimming with dolphins, meditation, reading, dancing... just living life day to day. Each experience provides more and more depth for me in this experience of living.

Q: What is your driving force in life?
A: To know myself, with all the ramifications that might entail. There are no limits to what and who we are and I seek to discover who I am beyond the programming and the "story." There is no "why" as to why this is; it is just who and what I am. I am fascinated by consciousness, and the fact that I am conscious and aware in a universe that is vast beyond words. I live in wonder.

Q: What is your philosophy in life?
A: My philosophy is Love. Lately I have been meditating and contemplating what Love is; I want to discover, for myself, the power and depth of Love as the motivating force of my life.

Q: If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
A: For me, it is not so much "doing" as "being." I look for ways to be happy and at peace within myself, and from that space life unfolds; my intention is to be present that and act appropriately for whatever arises. The world, and our survival as a species on the planet is in peril; I like to envision a new sanity arising within the hearts and minds of all people so that we can survive, support and realize harmony in our existence. I don't have a "plan" for this; it is enough for me to recognize unity and peace within myself and then it is shared with others . . . . naturally.

Q: What work/art/projects are you working on?
A: I am currently publishing a networking, support vehicle on Kaua'i called the "HeartBeat of Kaua'i.". I have been doing this for 10 years and still enjoy the process!

Q: Mini bio, interesting facts about you or something special you want to share.
A: I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English. As I said, I have been living on Kaua'i for 14 years, and, one could say that my life began when I came here. For anyone reading these words, I just want to encourage you to be grateful for all you have and to say "I love you" to those you care about as often as possible. One never knows when we will reach the "last moment," and when that happens, only the Love that you shared and take with you will have any meaning at all.

All the photos Richard were taken while hiking the Mountain known as the "Sleeping Giant", on Kauai, Hawaii.