There is a lot of turbulence in the world, and it is very easy to dwell on climate change, the US election, Brexit and more. Don’t turn a blind eye to it all, but do notice how much you are turning towards the doom and gloom versus what makes you come alive, here and now.
For those on the healing journey, the “spiritual path” as some like to call it, you may be inclined to inner-work yourselves to death, endlessly processing the fine far away corners of your psyche. And for all of us, we may find it easy to focus more on bleakness than beauty, folly than fun, problems than possibilities and play. Yes this is somewhat dichotomous, I’m aware, for there can be great beauty in suffering, if we look closely, and joy and grief are two sides of the same coin. I’m not recommending spiritual bypassing, pollyanna, and pretending that Trump and water shortages do not exist. But in my own experience, and in talking to others, it is easy to dwell on the latest environmental research, the cost of living, to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, so much so that we lose touch with the simplicity of having fun, being goofy, being sensual, raw and rowdy, like a four year-old. Being alive, engaged, now!
Having just come back from the park where I witnessed about 35 youths playing loud music, walking and leaping along slack lines, ripping a frisbee around, hooting and hollering, taking risks, being care-free, I am reminded that life, at the end of the day, is about becoming joyously *wild*. Let’s remember this, for within our worries about the state of the world is our desire to preserve, protect, amplify and live the simple human pleasures of, and rights to, delight, silliness, mercurialness, wonder, connection, joy and love…now!
We can preserve these qualities by living them today, by being, seeding those things we want for future generations that we rightfully fear will not be available.
Storms of trouble brew out there, but there is a champaign spirit within you dying to be set free to overflow. Sipping a glass or two daily, being this moment how you want your children to live tomorrow, engaged with the wondrous playground that is ever-present at your feet, may just be the most effective and tastiest way to lighten our darkening planet.
About the author: Vince Gowmon presents keynotes and playshops and offers somatic Life Coaching and Counselling in person, on Skype and over the phone. For more of his writing, to his free e-newsletter. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
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Related training:
Remembering to Play ~ Inspiring Joy, Freedom and Self-Care
Keynote information
Related reading:
6 Ways to Live a Playful Life ~ How Big is Your Playground?
Doodle, Dream and the Dance of Co-Creation ~ 3 Stages to Unlocking the Gifts of Free Unstructured Play
Want to Be Spiritual? Change a Bed Pan.
Remembering the Soulfulness of Play ~ Trusting the Intelligence of Play to Raise a Child