No matter where in the world you go, no matter how many languages are spoken, and no matter how many times cultures and governments clash, the laughter of children is universally uplifting.~ from 365 Tao: Daily Meditations, Entry 24 ~
In many, many instances, Lao Tzu encourages us to be like children. While this urging seems odd to the sensibilities, I think he was thinking of the laughter that Meng-Dao mentions above.
When we are very young -- before that time when logic, rationality, responsibility and worry place a death grip on our being -- we are able to see the innocent joy that this life can offer. Funny sounds! Interesting shapes and textures! Weird connections! And nothing in particular!
How often do we as adults really laugh without worrying about appearances and proper etiquette? How often do we drop the veil of adulthood to dance silly nilly in the meadows of our lives? How often do we stay up late at night to have ticklefests or pillow fights?
There is a time for the expression of each emotion in our toolbox. While we so quickly grasp devotion, work, commitment, seriousness, misery, anxiety and responsibility, we too often allow the mirthful tools to sit to gather dust.
Alas, if we don't exercise our funny bones often enough, they can cease to operate altogether. When innocent laughter is not allowed to spring forth, life becomes drudgery and a slow march toward death.
Do yourself a favor. Let your silly child out.
When we are very young -- before that time when logic, rationality, responsibility and worry place a death grip on our being -- we are able to see the innocent joy that this life can offer. Funny sounds! Interesting shapes and textures! Weird connections! And nothing in particular!
How often do we as adults really laugh without worrying about appearances and proper etiquette? How often do we drop the veil of adulthood to dance silly nilly in the meadows of our lives? How often do we stay up late at night to have ticklefests or pillow fights?
There is a time for the expression of each emotion in our toolbox. While we so quickly grasp devotion, work, commitment, seriousness, misery, anxiety and responsibility, we too often allow the mirthful tools to sit to gather dust.
Alas, if we don't exercise our funny bones often enough, they can cease to operate altogether. When innocent laughter is not allowed to spring forth, life becomes drudgery and a slow march toward death.
Do yourself a favor. Let your silly child out.
Right on, RT. : )!!
ReplyDelete"the meadows of our lives"...
ReplyDeleteI love it, like the title of a soap opera.