The TAO Of Daniel: PLAY

The Tao has never been serious.

Despite dusty academics, old revered temples and stern-looking pseudo-Buddhist-Chinese monks there’s a playful nonsense entrenched in every Taoist text and in the actions of all who follow the Tao.

And yet there are different ‘types’ of play; the Tao adhering to the most serious kind.

Serious in the sincerity and attention with which it likes to play, and serious also in the way that it reflects upon, speaks of and improves upon its own quality of play.

The questions a Taoist asks and the way she answers them defines the life of a Taoist, and so that sense of play becomes absorbed in everything one does, from childhood to old age.

How can I most enjoy my walk to the supermarket? How might I look after myself and others during today’s long bus ride? What are the most fulfilling and valuable ways for me to spend my ‘days off’ this week?

Play is acknowledging and ‘showing up’ for the small things. It’s about making the family holiday at times rather serious and making the business meeting an absolute circus.

That way every moment becomes an opportunity to be authentically lived, a chance for freedom and a small window for the Tao to shine it’s light inside.

You’ve heard it all before right?… Watch children and watch dogs; the way they run, play, reinvent and express themselves.

But the Tao would highly recommend you watch your Granpdarents also; those strangers on the street and yourself in the mirror of course too.

That way ordinary reality wins, and our play becomes sweet, simple and sustainable; exactly what it’s supposed to be…

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