While we are at the early stages of developing our full business plan, we have begun the process of ground-truthing and calibrating the Wellbeing Innovation Process (WIA Process), which distills insights from a broad array of collaborations over decades. To identify prospective problem domains and initiatives to focus on, we map the interests and insights of our partners to global research on problem domains impacting wellbeing for all.
We draw on the “Five Turn Arounds” outlined in Earth for All, the “Ten Actions” delineated in the Future We Choose, and the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, among other work, to help identify patterns around intersections, conflicts, tradeoffs, reinforcing relationships, and root drivers.
In making our final choices, we will integrate the passions of our partners with an assessment of the overall problem significance, the extent to which the problem represents low hanging fruit, the extent to which an effective response is likely to leverage subsequent responses, the ratio of expected impact to the availability of required resources, and the extent to which the problem effects local and regional wellbeing. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we attempt to consider the extent to which successful innovations and their effective diffusion are likely to advance humanity’s quest to become Wise Ancestors.
We are currently incubating communities of passion, purpose and practice in several problem domains. Following the expertise and life experience of our founder, David Levy, we are beginning with an initiative around Unplug+Play for All.
Background: Cultivating the “T”
We all face the challenge of “finding our center,” of bringing out our best and the best of others, especially under times of stress and high stakes.
The “On the T” approach, which is built into all of our Rock Creek Institute work, is a unique method of integrating mindfulness and relaxation into challenges. It grew from David Levy’s own efforts, as an elite athlete, to center himself. At its core, “On the T” starts with the premise that each individual has an innate center of relaxation, which can be cultivated through awareness and practice. “On the T” can be broken down into six elements:
1. Mindfulness and Self-Awareness. Athletes and “nonathletes” are encouraged to develop a mindful awareness of their thoughts and emotions both on and off “the court”— because everyone is “on the court” sometime. This self-awareness helps with managing stress and enhances overall performance, allowing players in the “infinite game of life” to remain focused and present during whatever games they play.
2. The Still Point. Refers to cultivating a state of deep relaxation where individuals can receive and reflect. It’s about finding a mental and emotional space that promotes openness and growth. By letting go of tension and anxiety, all players can create room for new insights and skills to emerge and develop.
3. The Zero Point. Takes advantage of the openness facilitated by deep relaxation to create readiness for action. Athletes and nonathletes alike can learn to be in a state of calm while remaining prepared to respond effectively to challenges. This state helps them maintain composure during high-pressure moments in a match, practice, or life.
4. Coaching Yourself. Central to “On The T” is the concept of self-coaching. All players are encouraged to cultivate a positive internal dialogue and to nurture a supportive relationship with themselves. This involves “speaking” to oneself with gratitude, kindness, and encouragement, which can enhance both confidence and performance.
5. Community and Sharing. Giving “On the T” grants for underserved youth, in which experienced athletes help mentor younger or less experienced players, advances community engagement, meaningful problem-solving, and collaboration. This sharing of knowledge and support fosters a sense of belonging and collective growth.
6. Holistic Wellbeing. Beyond physical performance, “On the T” enhances mental and emotional well-being along with an appreciation of collective wellbeing—that my wellbeing ultimately rests on the wellbeing of others. By fostering this holistic understanding of play and its benefits, by practicing mindfulness in action, players can develop skills that both benefit them in all areas of life and cultivate wellbeing for all.
Lead Initiative: Unplug+Play for All
While play—including sports, music, art, serious games, and adventure in nature—has been identified as a powerful tool for individuals and groups to learn, disconnect from the demands of everyday life, check their biases, spark creative solutions, and dream big, its use in supporting innovative problem-solving and personal growth has been sporadic and distributed inequitably.
The goal of the Unplug+Play for All Initiative is to identify, rapidly prototype, and evaluate, initiatives for taking advantage of combining the restorative effect of a deep pause in nature with play as a lever for advancing wellbeing in ignored and/or underserved communities and to create entities to implement and scale the most compelling innovations.
Our current efforts involve collaborations with the Lemo Foundation, Squash on Track, and Sam Levy, Tennis Director at Ragle Park in Sebastopol, to combine opportunities for deep pauses in nature, mindfulness training, and academic tutoring with racquet sports clinics for underserved youth.
Lemo Foundation
LEMO Foundation is a Bay Area-based nonprofit that exists to close the opportunity gap for student athletes. LEMO ensures that all student athletes, regardless of income, can access the supports, resources and experiences they need to thrive, enabling student athletes to play, learn and grow to their full potential. We serve as a comprehensive all-in-one destination for students to engage in sports, education and community programming that models and cultivates the mindsets, habits and relationships for success.
Squash on Track
Squash on Track is a non-profit after school enrichment program that aims to improve the lives of youth in our community. Students in the program learn how to play squash, receive academic and other support tailored to their needs, and become part of a supportive community centered at the Squash Zone squash facilities in Redwood City.
