I challenge you to ponder these two questions in entirely two extreme
modes of thinking. One with intense seriousness and the other more relaxed and with whimsy. What are your
findings?
Most great thinkers have explore many
"levels" of consciousness of being wise and foolish. For example the ancient and mystical
Chinese teacher, Lao Tze, joked that no one could explain Taoism since it was
unexplainable by its very nature.
Today our extraordinary serious
problems require extraordinary states of humorous consciousness. With
scientific advancement even our best neurologists are careful to make broad statements
about the nature of consciousness. Since there is major religious dogma around
such intelligent, divine and higher states of understanding reality much
prudence in any definition of “higher consciousness” comes into play. The basis of most religions are based in
best knowing what is real whether Christian, Hindu, Moslem, Jewish, Buddhist or
whatever denomination.
For example Buddhist concepts of
reality, describe where the upper reaches of the continuum are referred to
variously as religious ecstasy, nirvana, or enlightenment ironically without uniquely
gifted with a sense of "I" since no-self is key concept to get to
this state. Other religious definitions may include
"lower forms of life" or less complex awareness of their environment having
less effective means for organizing their experiences. Some people insist that
"consciousness" begins with human beings, who have a more developed sense
of "I." Just defining such higher awareness a debate can arise over
the “self” versus the “not-self” definition of such elevated consciousness.
Do “visionaries”,
"saints,"
"prophets," or those similar; operate at a level advanced perspective? Do these people understand
more because of the extra ordinary experience? The very definition of what wisdom
maybe comes from also being a fool in our lifetime. The ability to laugh at one self will shed
light and such discerning may result in more open consciousness. Being more
creative and imaginative certainly gives us greater options in viewing what is
real.
In addressing higher or elevated
levels of consciousness we must also make sure not make judgment of less or
lower states of consciousness.
Nobility and true innocence emerge as we live out our comic
natures in the face of greater forces of fate and destiny. Avoiding the embarrassment of failure, ignorance,
and foolishness only keeps us ignoble, humorless, and bound in our secularism,
because deep humor arises out of our genuine piety, from bighearted
acknowledgment that life cannot be circumscribed within the perimeters of our
knowledge and intentions, no matter how enlightened and well intentioned these
may be. This humor is a sign of
religious faith, not necessarily belief in any one story or leader but the
faith that comes from the standing on the edge of your own existence, and in
the face of absurdity, courageously, and humorously allowing life to happen[1].
In developing a higher level of
consciousness being light comes into play versus being so dense. Humor can be a
simple response, in how we see a given situation. How we re-frame it, misdirect,
how this reality comes into play. Transforming normal thinking and re-creating
it either as a parody or giving it an unexpected result may be enlightening.
The enjoyment of "laugh" can be in connecting the meaning of both
ends of the paradox.
Humor can provide linking interrelationships by relating two things that are usually not in mind as related. People may even think that a higher level of consciousness" is itself funny because comedy itself balances things or is a lower level activity.
Humor can provide linking interrelationships by relating two things that are usually not in mind as related. People may even think that a higher level of consciousness" is itself funny because comedy itself balances things or is a lower level activity.
I invite you to explore your own
experience. Notice when you play with
children how they create fun? What kids
do with each other in more light heart context since this, show they become
aware things. Pay attention how they create humor? Observing in play whether children
joke or use humor to benefit or harm is very insightful. For example if a child laughs at or makes fun
of another person beyond certain limits this may be unhelpful.
Humor at someone else expense is
not appropriate behavior. However when humor is skillfully applied it can provide key insights and
stimulated increased consciousness and wisdom. Laughter can be a vehicle for awakening and important
discoveries or new creative ways of seeing
life.
Seeing the comedy within any of our experiences
sparks new potential to awaken to greater realization of what is true. Laughter has an amazing transformation from
being so identified with inadequacy. Skillful humor for show me how to celebrate
my greater connections with life. Making fun of my fears can liberate me from
my imprisoning deepest phobias. Wholesome
laughter gives me a profound heartfelt experience.
There is a magic of not seeing things so
seriously and see a bigger picture. We
can re-frame that any curses also have blessings and meaningful qualities. The choice we have in life is what lens we
look upon it. Different perspectives can
free us from our delusional or victimized point of view.
Skillful humor allows me to celebrate my
virtues and prevents self-punishment when I transform my inner critic into a comic. This flow is a synchronized mind/body
practice like laugh yoga.
Making fun of my fears can free me to
become more fearlessness beyond my deepest phobias. Both a soft and tender expansive quality
emerges within me as I gently experience a profound heartfelt shift. This
delightful state of compassion skillfully balances any sorrow with joy.
It is liberating of not taking oneself so seriously and this dissolves ones ego. Not ignoring what is ugly, bitter, blind, and
sad we can re-frame that any curses also have blessings and meaningful
qualities. The choice we have in life is
what lens we look upon it. Different
perspectives can free us from our delusional or victimized point of view.
Seeing the comedy within any of my experiences
helps me lightly touch new possibility truth and appreciation each instance of
life’s awakening. Joking helps liberates
me from being so dense and uplifts me by the funny lessons life teaches me.
Laughter simply gets me out of my head and recharges my heart. From seeing how I transform my fears I become braver to see what is true so
to balance both disaster and success.
Laughter transmutes my negativity with the positive so I may awaken to new possibility and better deal with difficult circumstances.
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