There’s a tragedy that happens in all our
lives. A tragedy that no one acknowledges or gives any credence to. A tragedy
that is hidden in plain sight, but a tragedy nonetheless.
This tragedy is that as grow older, we
simply forget how to have fun. The older we get, the less joyful our lives
become. As adults, we get so burdened with our responsibilities that we don’t
know the feeling of fun anymore.
Look at any child or group of children.
Observe how full of joy they can be. The smallest of things can get them
excited. They are always looking for new ways to play and have fun. Every
object is a potential toy for them. Groups of children even get together and
invent games of their own.
Tell me honestly, when was the last time you
felt that way? I mean, when did you get so engrossed in some playful activity
that you lost track of time? Do you even remember the last time you truly had
fun?
Even though we’ve grown older and forgotten
what this feels like, I believe a child still lives inside of us. It never
completely dies, it just becomes dormant. We can still awaken our inner child.
“Every
child is born an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist when they grow
up.” Pablo Picasso.
It’s time we take our inner artist-child on
a play date. It’s time we remember how to have fun again.
Here’s what you do:
First, block some time on your busy
calendar. During this time, switch off your phone. Don’t check your emails or
messages or social media. Don’t read the latest news or check your finances.
Completely disconnect from the world.
Do anything that interests you. Take a walk
on the beach; go for a swim; photograph a sunset; paint a mountain scenery;
cook an exotic recipe; write in your journal; play some old board game; sing
along to your favorite music, even if it’s corny music that no one else
respects; dance barefoot to drum beats; make a collage of old photos; go to a
temple or church and chant hymns; take a boat trip on the open seas; go on a long
drive with no destination.
Do whatever your heart tells you to do.
There are no rules. Just let yourself have fun.
“Follow
your bliss, and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” Joseph
Campbell.
The more you take time out to have fun, the
more that sleeping child will awaken inside you. The more your imagination will
be nurtured. The more joy will spontaneously come into your life.
You think you’re too busy for this?
I think if you want to stay creative and
productive, you can’t afford not to do this. The heart of all creativity is
imagination at play. Without that feeling of play, without that child-like
enthusiasm, you will become increasingly jaded as the years roll by. That
staleness will affect your work, it will corrode your productivity, and it will
seep into your relationships.
On the other hand, awakening the inner child
will have wonderful side-affects on your work, your relationships, and on every
part of your life. You will start to feel more alive again. Expect new ideas
for all kinds of projects to come to you.
It’s great if we’re able to achieve success
in our careers, and have good family lives. It’s commendable if we’ve acquired
wealth and luxury in our lives.
But what about simple joy? What about having
fun? Let’s not forget about that.
“The
gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.
Take joy.” Fra Giovanni.
