The infinite game

«There are at least two kinds of games. One could be called finite, the other infinite. A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing to play. – James P. Carse

According to James P. Carse, infinite games are "games" that are not about winning, but about continuous development and realisation. They arise from a mind-set that is not focussed on short-term gain, profit and titles. Instead, the driving force is a grand, cross-generational vision. It is about nothing less than developing the potential of the individual and of humanity.

Some basic principles of the infinite game

Ongoing development

The infinite game is characterised by constant change and adaptation. The game is never "won" or "lost", but evolves over time in response to changing circumstances.

Playfulness

The infinite game is intended to be playful and entertaining, not competitive or combative. Participants are encouraged to approach the game with curiosity and enjoyment and not with the desire to win or dominate.

Inclusion

The infinite game is open to anyone who wants to join in. There are no restrictions on participation and everyone's contributions are valued.

Co-creation

The infinite game is co-created by all participants. There is no single authority or leader who determines the direction of the game; instead, the participants work together to shape the development of the game.

Experimentation

Infinite play encourages experimentation and a willingness to take risks. Participants are encouraged to try out new things and explore new ideas, even if they don't know what the outcome will be.

Generosity

Infinite play is characterised by generosity and abundance. Participants are encouraged to give freely of their time, resources and ideas without expectation of reward or recognition.

Open Space, Infinite Game, Integral Movement

We find infinite games in every aspect of integral movement. This is because its basis is the integral dynamic, which is described by ten verbs: to centre, to open, to expand, to encounter, to integrate, to differentiate, to observe, to feel, to subtilise, to essentialise. The verbs are impulses for action that always lead further, they are never finally realised. They open up potentials that are themselves open. In the various settings offered by RIVERS and the Corsica retreats, for example, these verbs condense into a natural, adaptable structure that promotes a self-sustaining, sustainable dynamic.

Offenheit ist alles

«In infinite play … one always plays … toward the open, toward the horizon, toward surprise, where nothing can be scripted.»

We experience integral movement: As soon as we start moving, the whole person starts moving, in all its complexity. The process is open, what comes out of it is open. If we are open and remain open, we constantly surprise ourselves.

Lightness makes sense, but not recklessness

Having to play is not an option. Having to move is just as impossible. That's why the joy of movement, a spirit of exploration and openness are what keep us moving.

«To be playful is not to be trivial or frivolous, or to act as though nothing of consequence will happen. On the contrary, when we are playful with each other we relate as free persons, and the relationship is open to surprise; everything that happens is of consequence.»

Transformation instead of definition: Embodied infinity

«Because infinite players prepare themselves to be surprised by the future, they play in complete openness. It is not an openness as in candor, but an openness as in vulnerability. It is not a matter of exposing one’s unchanging identity, the true self that has always been, but a way of exposing one’s ceaseless growth, the dynamic self that has yet to be. The infinite player does not expect only to be amused by surprise, but to be transformed by it, for surprise does not alter some abstract past, but one’s own personal past.»

Are you looking for realisation instead of enlightenment, authenticity instead of titles, cultivation instead of optimisation, structured spontaneity instead of general instructions, creativity instead of reactivity, not isolated self-realisation but also community and world realisation? Are you motivated by the journey instead of a goal, the continuous non-achievement of the impossible instead of definitive enlightenment? Be welcome 🤗

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