Playing

"The only difference between a wise man and a fool is that a wise man knows he's playing."

-- Frtiz Perls

It's a game, folks -- all of it! In India they use the term lila, which, loosely translated means "divine play" or "the play of God."

Certain responsibilities, as well as certain opportunities, befall each of us. It's easy to take both way too damn seriously. But if we keep the perspective that whatever we're doing we're playing, then the terminal seriousness fades.

Politics, economics, business, environmental concerns, family life, spiritual practices, yes, even sports, are all just games. In other words, the outcomes don't matter nearly as much as how you play.

All games end. So, too, does the Game of Life. The players go home. Whether you believe that home to be a glorious heaven in the sky or a cold hole in the ground, doesn't change the intrinsic nature of the game.

But just because it's all a game, just because all games must come to an end, doesn't mean that you can't play hard, though. You can. Playing hard makes the game more fun. But even in the midst of hard play, maintain your perspective. Games are supposed to be enjoyable. Stress, heart attacks, strained relations, bitterness and depression are not inherent to the game, they are merely dysfunctional responses to it by some of the players.

Play is what you did on long summer days as a kid. Remember that feeling? The day felt like it could roll on forever. You easily shifted from one activity, from one game, to another. And if it rained all afternoon, you just played inside. No big deal. Flexibility, resiliency, creativity -- the hallmarks of childhood -- are still the best ways to play.

So, today, whatever you do, do it not as work, not as a dead serious matter that must be taken care of at all costs, but rather as play. Dance with it. Enjoy it. Or choose another game. Wise person or fool -- the choice is yours.