Spark in the Dark- Summer Candlelight Social Event

8 Count Social’s mission is connecting people with others, their own awareness, and to the arts in a safe, sophisticated, engaging environment based on the essential, enlivening use of play.As human beings we are wired to connect. The current culture in our country has made us more individual and independent. While this can be a good thing, it also brings its hardships and personal human struggles. As former Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy M.D. states in his book, "Together", “So many problems we face as a society- from addiction and violence to disengagement among workers and students to political polarization are worsened by loneliness and disconnection. Building a more connected world holds the key to solving these and many more of the personal and societal problems confronting us today.”A solution to creating connection naturally is… PLAY! Play encompasses a large variety of activities including simple pleasures like petting a dog to intricate games. But play is not only for small children. According to Dr. Stuart Brown (founder of the National Institute for Play), “The ability to play is critical not only to being happy, but also to sustaining social relationships and being a creative, innovative person”. Dr. Brown also notes that “Life without play is a grinding, mechanical existence organized around doing the things necessary for survival. Play is the stick that stirs the drink. It is the basis of all art, games, books, sports, movies, fashion, fun, and wonder- in short, the basis of what we think of as civilization. Play is the vital essence of life. It is what makes life lively.”