ESSENCE Part II

Play Is The Way

ESSENCE Part II

Play Is The Way

In a world of wonder, infants and puppies make the best teachers. Hands and paws down. 

The work of babies and puppies is play. It is the way infants learn and the way puppies grow into dogs that love. When seen clearly learning and love are closely related. 

It is when we explore and delight in the unknown with open hearts (courage) and alert minds that we create life and learn to love.

BTW: EVERYTHING at essence is unknown. We live in mystery. Accept that. Because on some levels there are red and green lights with seemingly clear meaning does not negate the essential mystery. This literal response is the last refuge of the pitifully freigtened and ignorant among us.

It protects you from the insecurity of living a creative life and may keep you from crashing into other vehicles, which can save a few bucks on insurance premiums with which you then buy other distractions. Milkshakes in my case.

“This is the real secret of life - - to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.” ~Alan Watts

I’m going to keep it simple this week. Recognize that wonder sparks play. Keep a gentle eye out for the magic combo in your everyday comings and goings.

Take a moment to ‘identify with’ the feeling - the spirit of play - when it presents in your life.

Enjoy seeing a dog at play.

Enjoy feeling a playful moment in your life. If you laugh - express gratitude to the Universe.

We laugh when we understand and see change. Much more coming on this phenomena. We will nurture our too little attended Comic Sense.

Share a short reflection - a sentence or a couplet - a word even - in the comments as a gesture of shared understanding.

“Understanding is love’s other name.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Play and love are selfless actions. They are not commodities for personal acquisition. They are not ‘on offer’ as so many assume. Shopping for ease (forms of leisure) and love is common today. 

They’ve become BIG businesses. 

We want what we think we need. The ‘we’ that wants is sold to us so we will sell ourselves, whom we think we know, what we’ve already been sold. And we need more and more and more. We are ‘self’ fulfilling junkies.

What we truly want is a fulsome sense of living alive. We need WHOLE SELF, not an insecure trembling thought born version of self in constant need of reassurance and milkshakes.

Let’s find our way into life lived alive through the window of wonder and play. Pay attention. Appreciate the lives we live together. Can we see and encourage one another? I know it’s not the 60’s anymore (was it ever really?). . . nevertheless, is it too late for peace and love?

“The more I wonder, the more I love.” ~Alice Walker

Wonder gives depth and breadth to the spirit of play, making it more than just entertainment. It imbues play with a sense of life and discovery. 

When we play with a sense of wonder, we are not only enjoying ourselves and sharing joy with others but also uncovering fresh visions and expanding our understanding of the world. 

We participate with awareness and presence in the creation of humane worlds. We overcome petty self to serve WHOLE SELF in which we all share. We wonder and give rise to love and peace.

I know that there are powerful cultural forces and vastly fortified commercial interests that make this all sound like nonsense. The rantings of a woo-woo utopian fool. So be it. 

I am a human who has had the privilege of great opportunity and good luck. I also have troubles, disappointments, and heartaches. I live in ‘real’ life. I have a checking account that I use regularly to meet obligations and expectations. Thankfully, I live indoors and eat (mostly) wholesome food.

Having survived and thrived in the rough and tumble of show business, many if not most think they would trade places with me. I’ve had dinner at the the BEST tables (all tables are not created equal) in the BEST restaurants, in Hollywood, London, and New York with bonafide MOVIE STARS and MOGULS.

I’ve shared limos, private jets, and hot tubs with THEM. So there!

I am a fool in the highest and best sense. I’m here to tell the truth. Truth to power. A fool (trickster) in the King’s Court. The realm of bullshit power.

I’m sick of wonton self interest, greed, war, corruption, and destruction.

The way out is through wonder and play. 

Make the world safe for babies, dogs and the rest of us. Let’s get over our minuscule selves and our petty preoccupations. Let love shine bright.

“When we are self-conscious, we cannot be wholly aware; we must throw ourselves out first. The throwing ourselves away is the act of creativity. 

So, when we wholly concentrate, like a child in play, or an artist at work, then we share in the act of creating. We not only escape time, we also escape our self-conscious selves.” ~Madeleine L’Engle.

PAY ATTENTION! WAKE THE FUCK UP! PLEEEEEZ!

Until next time. . .

Lights Up!