Inspirations Lighten Up middle ground Mindfulness Steps on the Journey

* Be Foolish

by Val Boyko
Comments 40

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.

serious ducks

“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?

40 comments on “* Be Foolish”

  1. Jenna Dee
    March 28, 2015

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Val Boyko
      March 28, 2015

      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. ❤️

      Like

      Reply
  2. ChrisB
    March 28, 2015

    My I/we be free of suffering,
    May I/we be free of anger, fear and sorrow,
    May I/we be light and free
    …..)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Jill Weatherholt
    March 28, 2015

    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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Jewels
    March 28, 2015

    Such a good reminder Val, thank you. ❤

    Like

    Reply
  5. smilecalm
    March 28, 2015

    i prefer hanging
    with any ducks
    that quack 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. jmgoyder
    March 28, 2015

    I COMPLETELY agree!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Ann Koplow
    March 28, 2015

    Val! Great post. Will you think it foolish if I tell you this is in synch with my post for tomorrow?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. dianasschwenk
    March 28, 2015

    Love it Val – as I get older it becomes easier to not feel compelled to conform to the expectations of others. ❤
    Diana xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Eliza Waters
    March 28, 2015

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. nrhatch
    March 28, 2015

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Don
    March 28, 2015

    No truer word spoken, Val. Great post.

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Healing Grief
    March 29, 2015

    A wonderful reminder. No matter what our situation, there should always be time for fun and play. Have fun today Val 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  13. Hariod Brawn
    March 29, 2015

    Be foolish? I say “yeah, yeah”.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  14. Louise Gallagher
    March 29, 2015

    Yeh! Yeh!

    Love it. 🙂

    Love your list too! Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. Paul Handover
    March 29, 2015

    Not sure about playing with the dogs? They need little enough encouragement to play around as it is! 😉

    Lovely post, Val.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  16. Barbara Rodgers
    March 29, 2015

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. BloomLisa
    March 29, 2015

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. suzicate
    March 30, 2015

    Here’s to a fun filled day of laughter!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  19. Kate @ Did That Just Happen?
    March 30, 2015

    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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