The phrase “Go touch some grass!” has become a popular colloquial expression, often used to urge someone to step away from their digital devices and reconnect with the tangible world around them. At first glance, this advice may seem insulting and it may have been meant to. However, I have found that embracing the metaphor can lead to profound benefits.
Yesterday, I tried “touching grass” through the simple act of bringing my well-worn chessboard and the revered book “The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal,” to my favorite park bench at Dolores Park in San Francisco. This combination transformed my outdoor experience into a sanctuary for both recreation and contemplation. While seated on that bench, I was not merely playing through chess games; I was engaging in a dialogue with the past, absorbing the wisdom of Tal’s brilliant games, and allowing the atmosphere of the park to invigorate my mind. Upon leaving, I felt both calm and more passionate than ever about the game of chess.
Photo of a chess player in San Francisco.
So my advice, especially to my younger audience, is to put down your gaming mouse and turn off the chatter from your favorite chess content creator. Instead, choose to read a physical copy of a worthwhile chess book while enjoying the fresh air in a serene outdoor setting. In other words, “Go touch some grass!”