The Odyssey Of Sport with Phil Cousineau

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Our love of play and sport is rooted deep in our heritage, maybe even in our genes. Phil Cousineau has found that as early as 1400 B.C. - and probably much earlier - competitive games anchored communities, created a diversion from violence, and even contributed to the evolution of the human body, mind and soul. "This desire to shine brightly," says Cousineau, "at least in one moment in your life, either on the battlefield or on the Olympic grounds, is a deep, deep urge in us." In this playful, yet thoughtful discussion, he shares insights from a diverse roster of sportsmen, including Homer, Plato, Jesse Owens, Joseph Campbell, Phil Jackson and Bela Kerolyi to explain why the value we place on our national pastimes may be more valid than we realize. More than just a pleasant way to pass a sunny afternoon, athletic competition helps connect us to our roots and become more of who we are meant to be. (hosted by Michael Toms)

Bio

Phil Cousineau is a freelance writer, filmmaker, photographer, art and literary tour leader, teacher of creativity, a lifelong lover of the night, and an all around Renaissance man. He’s published over 30 books and has over 25 documentary film writing credits. He is also host and co-writer of Global Spirit, a nationally broadcast television series. He's a guest host for New Dimensions Radio.

His books include:

• Wordcatcher: An Odyssey into the World of Weird and Wonderful Words (Viva Editions, Cleis Press 2010)
• Beyond Forgiveness: Reflections on Atonement (Jossey-Bass 2011)
• Stoking the Creative Fires: 9 Ways to Rekindle Passion and Imagination (Red Wheel/Wiser 2008)
• Burning the Midnight Oil: Illuminating Words for the Long Night's Journey Into Day (Viva Editions 2014)
• The Book of Roads: Travel Stories from Michigan to Marrakech (Viva Editions 2015)

• The Soul & Spirit of Tea (Talking Leaves Press 2013)
• The documentary film The Meaning of Tea (Tea Dragon Films 2008)

To learn more about Phil Cousineau’s work go to www.philcousineau.net.

Topics Explored in This Dialogue

• Why play is an important part of your spirituality
• How you gain peace of mind from athletic competition
• What successful athletes gain that is even greater than Olympic gold
• What we gain from passing sports traditions down through the generations
• How sports have played a role in the thinking of some of our culture's greatest teachers

Host: Michael Toms      Interview Date: 6/19/2004      Program Number: 3052