John Baxter -Blog 20
Now for a change of pace. Vedanta and psychotherapy are serious business….right? Well, both yes and no. Let me introduce my latest topic … playfulness. Even though it’s probably a familiar term, (playfulness is synonymous with good humor, lightheartedness, and conviviality), I know we typically conceive of spiritual practice and psychotherapy as serious business. But we always are at risk for taking ourselves too seriously. When we do so, there’s no better way to feed the beast, our egos. That’s a big no-no in both endeavors. As you probably guessed, I’m biased. I’m a huge fan of playfulness. So much so, that I’ve risked getting into hot water with it. Occasionally someone misunderstands my motives and thinks I’m poking fun at them…laughing at them, rather than with them. Apparently, it’s a risk I’m compelled to take, because when it succeeds, it’s like winning the lottery. So be careful, there’s always a risk that you will be misunderstood. There’s some skill and timing involved with being playful.
So what does Vedanta have to say about this topic? As I sit here writing this blog , I’m visualizing two statues I have in my home. Images of the gods dancing their asses off… One Shiva, the other Ganesh. That should tell you everything you need to know. Although it’s not specified, I might be tempted to add playfulness to the list of qualifications for self-inquiry. When you think about it there’s a good bit of irony in Vedanta. You’ve devoted yourself to looking for something, only to discover you were “That” something all along….It’s like thinking you’ve lost your head, only to look in the mirror, and realize it was there all along!…(Vedanta being a word mirror that reflects your true self.). When you think about it, it’s pretty ironic/funny. But it could be tragic, if you are unfortunate enough not to have access to a mirror.
Since playfulness is an attitude, it’s likely subsumed in the Satva Guna. Applied to Karma yoga, it could signal a nuanced relationship with Isvara. Rather than bowing to God’s will, you could flourish in God’s garden. I know, I know…. Dharma’s serious business. But lighten up. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. I believe Moksa is a nondual attitude tantamount to freedom and lightheartedness and when lived, has a playful quality.
What about psychotherapy? That should be self evident. Most of us will not have flourishing interpersonal relationships, if they lack this playful component. After all, it’s the first thing we do as human beings to become social. We play. Maybe you think we outgrow the need for play, but we don’t. In fact, if you don’t make an effort to engage life with this spirit, you will likely inhabit a two dimensional world. Not good!
Do we have to be serious at times? Of course. We need structure, rules, and organization to play well together. Once again, not an either/or. But be aware of maintaining a balance. Even at something as solemn as a funeral, there’s always room for humorous remembrances at the reception.
Hopefully I’ve provided a gentle reminder or food for thought about the topic of playfulness. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your spiritual practice and in turn, your personal relationships. I look forward to your thoughts on the matter.
