Wanna Fool Around?
by Marie T. Russell
If someone called you a "fool," how would you
react? Would you feel hurt or upset? Perhaps you would refute that statement by
saying you were not a fool! You are a rational, intelligent being... right?
Let's think about that word for a minute. What does being a
"fool" mean to you? What were you told a fool was? Have you ever
thought about it? Let's take a closer look.
Webster says a fool is: "a silly person; a
jester." Upon looking up the word silly, I read, "having or knowing
little sense or judgment." We know that to have sense or judgment one must
be rational, logical, analytical — that doesn't leave much room for spontaneity,
for fun, for joking and playing, does it? Again according to Webster, a jester
is one who goes around joking and poking fun at things and people.
Maybe we have placed an incorrect value judgment on being a
fool — maybe foolishness could be a positive addition to our personality traits.
Perhaps we need to start consciously being foolish. A good place to start would
be to act more instinctively.
We can start responding to those inner promptings, those
feelings, those childlike desires without having to analyze, judge, and ensure
everything makes sense! Is it sensible to play in water puddles? Is it
reasonable to blow bubbles, go skinny- dipping, dance around the house while
naked, or sing in the shower? Maybe not to some of you, but I know we all enjoy
these things (be honest now), or at least we did at some time in our life. I
really enjoy these things! It's a way of expressing ourselves fully, freely and
naturally. To let go and give that carefree part of ourselves permission to
come out and play is really and truly wonderful!
There is a time and place for everything. I'm not saying we
need to jettison reason and logic. I'm saying that at the right time, it is
quite o.k. to allow yourself to be foolish, silly, and playful. The logic and
the silliness are both integral parts of us. The thinking mode and the playful
modes are both important to our growth. To honor one and to reject the other is
to reject the wholeness of our being.
In our society, great importance has been placed on the rational, scientific
perspective. While this focus has made possible great discoveries and much
material advancement, at the same time it has not allowed much space for the
wonder and joy of a child — the jumping up and down with excitement, the
"silly" uncontrollable laughter, the 'purposeless' adventures.
Let's revise our judgment of the statement, "You're
being very foolish!" Foolishness is not wrong or bad. It is a letting go,
trusting in the moment, and more significantly a divine enjoyment of the NOW.
Let's honor all parts of us; the rational mind and the exuberant loving
spirit — and enjoy our life to the fullest! When we use every part of our being,
we lead balanced lives. We work and play, we reflect and create, we receive and
give — all of these are essential to our being.
Laughter and Joy are perhaps two elements we need
to give more attention to. Let's give ourselves permission to be foolish...
spontaneous and playful. Happy April Fool's Day, every day! |
