Dr. Stuart Brown, author of Play, How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul, is an enthusiastic advocate for developing and maintaining playfulness throughout adult life. In his book he advances the notion that the opposite of play is not work, but depression. Had they known each other, I have no doubt that Corita Kent and Dr. Brown would have been up half the night talking and teasing one another as they ironed out a theory of work and play.

Sister Corita Kent posted ten rules and tips and hints for students and teachers on the wall in her classroom at the Immaculate Heart College Art Department. I hang a copy opposite my bed l so I can soak them in first thing every morning. I like them all, but right now Rule 7 is my favorite.

Rule 7 The only rule is work. IF YOU WORK IT WILL LEAD TO SOMETHING. IT’S THE PEOPLE WHO DO ALL THE WORK ALL THE TIME WHO EVENTUALLY CATCH ON TO THINGS.

If you scratch the surface of her pedagogy, you will find that she makes little to no distinction between play and work and invites us to cultivate a fluid mindset between the two.

In Learning by Heart, she puts it this way: “work is often done by playing around…Or if it all seems too difficult [and] you are faced with a blank, go to a movie, take a walk, read a book for fun.” Later you will ask yourself, “Was that free time or was it simply the early part of some work?” In honor of her mindset, I’ve made a minor update to rule seven. Take a gander and tell me what you think.

The only rule is play. IF YOU PLAY IT WILL LEAD TO SOMETHING. IT’S THE PEOPLE WHO DO ALL THE PLAY ALL THE TIME WHO EVENTUALLY CATCH ON TO THINGS.

adapted from Corita Kents Immaculate Heart College Art Department Rules