Photo: Scott Webb at Unsplash.
The Fool is an invitation to the aliveness, pleasure and play we experienced as children. Play is something we do for its own intrinsic reward and pleasure. Play is hard to define. However, pleasure, enjoyment, and fun motivate the wish to play. Children have a natural ability to play. They use play as a dress rehearsal for life. A towel becomes a superhero cape. It gives the child the belief they can leap off a building without getting hurt. A band-aid is the perfect remedy. They discover that even with a pretend superhero cape, jumping out of a tree results in a grazed knee. Children experiment, try on different personas, play `dress ups’ and have a good time.
I was leaving the office after a busy day at work. I watched a young child jumping in and out of the electronic sliding doors. His face was radiant with joy. He moved in and out of the sliding doors. He laughed out loud as if saying `I can get out before you try to close on me.’ Children can always find the `game’ or opportunities for play in any situation.
Play exists in the realm beyond right and wrong and `judgement’.
Ask a young child `can you sing?’ and most will respond enthusiastically with a `yes.’ The quality of innocence in young children leads them to believe that anything is possible. Childlike simplicity sees the good in everyone and is optimistic. They have a sense of wonder and delight in the world. Young children have not been socialised to critically evaluate themselves. Evaluation or judgments without grace stifles play and limits possibility. Play is possible in the absence of making harsh judgments of ourselves, our situation and other people.
Play exists in the space in between right and wrong without making right or wrong, wrong. Imagine a scene at a local night club or dance venue. The DJ is playing music. You look around and become aware that no one else is on the dance floor. You feel the urge to get up and dance with you partner. The critical voices in your head whisper silently:
`Don’t do it…you can’t dance…what will other people think?
`You’ll look like a dork!’
You will make a fool of yourself!
Remember what happened the last time you took a risk?’
The voice of the Fool says `it’s ok to play.’ Play exists when you listen to your own wishes and ignore the critical voices urging you to stay seated. Letting go of self-criticism helps you enter the realm of play. Releasing the real or imagined criticisms of other people also grants this access.
Play gives us permission to explore.
Young children play naturally because they are (mostly) innocent of the problems of the world. If you are prone to cynicism, give yourself a rest and explore the `dark side.’
This is no serious feat in a world of 24/7 news and information. Take the opportunity to drink the tonic of innocence. This will help you to get into the frame of mind to play. We can `play’ for situations, ideas and other people. Sometimes we just need a kick start to get into the mood for playfulness and humour. Seriousness behaviour as a fixed habit can be unlearned. Playfulness and the ability to hold serious things lightly is possible.
Tips: what I have found helpful.
- Pay attention to your diet of media, reading and entertainment. Explore the `dark side’ – look for more innocent input. You Tube is a great source of comic videos on clowning and other types of more innocent humour.
- Grab a copy of the children’s book, `The Emperor’s New Clothes’, by Hans Christian Andersen. The story is a very humorous example of the power of innocence to accurately see reality without cynicism.
Foolish Times 