I used to have mixed feelings about being serious. A part of me thought I should be more like the earnest people around me. That I should try harder… should apply myself… should focus more… should set serious goals…
I was “shoulding” all over myself.
… And in doing so I was not accepting the ways things are and the way I am.
“Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be.” Eckhart Tolle
I can be serious, but for the most part I want to see things from many different perspectives, and especially from the funny side of life.
After years of experience, I now realize …
The more foolish we allow ourselves to look, the more enlightened we can become.
We let go of caring about how others think of us. We let go of the constraints of our ego. We become more authentic and real.
It isn’t easy at first to be that vulnerable and silly!
However, one way of approaching this, is to make it a part of your practice. Choose your own daily commitment/s from the list below and feel free to add a few more that tickle your fancy!
* Today I will laugh a lot.
* Today I will look for the humor/humour in things.
* Today I will goof around.
* Today I will not take life so seriously.
* Today I will have fun letting go.
* Today I will play with the dogs/cats/kids like a dog/cat/kid.
What will you bring to your daily practice of foolishness on the road to enlightenment?
Thanks Val, I needed this reminder today. I too have been guilty of ‘shoulding’ and lately been slipping away from my authentic self. It’s time to be proud of who I am and not worried about who I should be. Love Jenna
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Thank you Jenna. So glad it was a timely reminder for you. With everything that pulls us away from our authenticity, we all can do with some loving reminders to bring us back to our true selves. ❤️
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My I/we be free of suffering,
May I/we be free of anger, fear and sorrow,
May I/we be light and free
…..)
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May I/we all live in this place of acceptance and peace.
Thank you Chris 🙂
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I’m guilty of being hard on myself when I don’t stay focus. In fact, just an hour ago, I was very upset that I hadn’t written today. Thanks for this post. It was much needed today. 🙂
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Lighten up Jill and let those shoulds slide off your shoulders. You’ll sleep better too 🙂
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Such a good reminder Val, thank you. ❤
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When we let a giggle in, we get in touch with our inner beauty. 💛
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i prefer hanging
with any ducks
that quack 🙂
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They quacked me up too! 🙂
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I COMPLETELY agree!
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Thanks Julie!
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Val! Great post. Will you think it foolish if I tell you this is in synch with my post for tomorrow?
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Not at all my foolish wise friend! I look forward to it 😃
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Love it Val – as I get older it becomes easier to not feel compelled to conform to the expectations of others. ❤
Diana xo
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Yes Diana! Embrace it all with a grin 😁
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Playfulness keeps one young at heart. Our new dog is super playful and it is a joy to get goofy with her! 😉 It releases oxytocin!
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Thanks for sharing an other great reason to be silly Eliza 🙂
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A day without laughter is a day wasted!
We do not laugh because we are happy. We are happy because we laugh. ~ William James
Wine improves with age
Age improves with wine
Life improves with laughter
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. ~ Victor Hugo
Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and people call you a cry baby behind your back.
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Thanks Nancy! Love these quotes!
Looks like I found my new motto:
Wine improves with age
Age improves with wine
Life improves with laughter
xo
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No truer word spoken, Val. Great post.
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Thank you Don!
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A wonderful reminder. No matter what our situation, there should always be time for fun and play. Have fun today Val 🙂
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Thanks Karen. I’ll imagine being with you when I have a giggle 🙂
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Be foolish? I say “yeah, yeah”.
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Yeah! – Seriously foolish Hariod 😆
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Yeh! Yeh!
Love it. 🙂
Love your list too! Thanks.
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Thanks Louise! Have a light hearted week 🙂
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Not sure about playing with the dogs? They need little enough encouragement to play around as it is! 😉
Lovely post, Val.
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🐶🐺🐶🐺🐰
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This reminds me of an Oscar Wilde quote I used to have on my wall, “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” I am fortunate to have a husband who makes me laugh when I start going down the “serious” path.
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Sounds like a great match Barbara :0)
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Haha, I made a Happy Box with that quote on it and blogged it earlier this year. I will dig up the link for you! I feel this one….My vote is more fun, woot woot. Yet I somehow find myself being more serious. A great reminder to laugh and take a more playful approach!
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Thanks Lisa. It sometimes feels easier to become serious rather than light. When we are aware we can choose 🙂
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In every choice we make we can choose to turn up the corners of our mouth and let some light in indeed! Here it is: http://bloomlisa.com/2015/02/27/tgif/
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Nice one!
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Here’s to a fun filled day of laughter!
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Go for it Suz!!
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Love it! I spent time shoulding myself to death, too – trying to be a serious person… but it’s really not who I am, and when I stopped fighting it, my life totally changed! Today I will laugh with you, today I will find humor in situations and embrace the lighter side of life! 🙂
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Let it all hang out and let go Kate 😍
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