Laughter as a Kind of Prayer

"To learn to laugh is not merely a secular pleasure; it opens onto the sacred realm. Spiritual traditions from around the world teach us not to take ourselves too seriously. In fact, sober reverence for dogma and holy figures can stop us from experiencing our own awakening. In the words of Zen master Feng, 'The Buddha is a bull-headed jail-keeper, and the Patriarchs are horse-faced old maids!' Sometimes it is better to laugh than to pray; and laughter itself can become a kind of prayer. Native American traditions have rituals to celebrate the 'sacred clowns,' bawdy, outrageous trickster figures. For example, in the Cherokee 'Booger Event,' the clowns enter a circle farting, then gyrate like madmen and spray spectators with water from large pseudopenises concealed beneath their clothes. The wild forces of nature and the human spirit are celebrated. The Islamic tradition reveres the fool Nasrudin, whose escapades express crazy wisdom. We see this playfulness in the Christian tradition as well. St. Francis referred to himself and members of his joyful order as jesters of the Lord. They followed in the footsteps of St. Paul, a self-proclaimed 'fool for Christ.' What, in Paul's eyes, could be more 'foolish' than God come to earth in a lowly form to hang out with prostitutes and rip-off artists, only to meet an ignoble end? Ridiculous! Yet 'the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom' (1 Cor 1:25)."
Spiritual Passages

The Merits of Daily Practice

"We seem to have an inborn propensity to sprout the hairs of selfishness, fear, jealousy, petty resentment, bitterness, and egotism. No matter how clean shaven we begin the day (whether through prayer, affirmations, meditation, a nature walk), it's fairly predictable that by midday we'll be developing the beginning of that five o'clock shadow (for men), that stubble (for women) that calls for another shave. On the contrary, because it does work, we need to commit ourselves to a frequent and regular practice.

"What is it that gives us a good clean mental shave — that is, clears away the forming fears, stress, and resentments? Just as there are many kinds of razors, so too, cleansing practices. One person might dig in the garden. Another sits down with a good novel and a cup of tea. A third gives the problem over to a Higher Power, affirming faith that all will be well. Another looks honestly at where she's been at fault in a situation, letting go of blaming the other.

"You wouldn't shave just at times of dire need. It's imply a habit, built into our daily routine. This is also the best way to use those spiritual practices. So lather up, get out the razor and give yourself a shave."
Sparks of the Divine

Bubble Gum and Transformation

"Working a piece of gum makes us ready for a metamorphosis. One day, mysteriously, it begins to swell with the breath — take on a form of the sphere — expand like a universe — culminating in a Big Bang. Here's where it all gets interesting.

"So, too, in our spiritual life. If we keep chewing and chewing (praying, sharing, reading, meditating, repeating the mantra over and again) one day we will find such bubbles growing. Bubbles of revelation. Bubbles of compassion. Bubbles of insight. Bubbles of joy, God-bubbles, one after another, and at the most unexpected times.

"The challenge is not to spit out the gum prematurely. Remember, you're seeking not just superficial sweetness, but the ever-expanding bubble. As any child knows, that's what's really sweet. "
Sparks of the Divine

My Award-Winning Day

"The Academy Awards and other such ceremonies are enormously popular. They celebrate outstanding accomplishments in a variety of endeavors. It's not only the public, but the industry that likes them. They focus attention on the nominees and effectively sell their products.

"Why not turn this device toward spiritual ends? In this game, focus attention on the good in and around you by presenting daily awards. The product you're selling is nothing less than a fulfilling experience of life.

"You might work initially with three categories. The first is My Positive Accomplishments. As you go through the day, note things you have done well: unselfish acts, constructive approaches to problems, moments of kindness to yourself and others. Perhaps you were courteous to a next-door neighbor, or tackled a chore you'd been putting off. Add it to the list you're keeping mentally or on paper.

"The Second Category is Positive Accomplishments of Others. Keep track of the good things that those around you do this day, Your child care provider greets your kid with a hug; she treats him like one of her own. Today, don't just take that for granted. Put it on the list. After arriving on the job, a co-worker offers to bring your coffee. That's considerate. On the list it goes.

"The third category is something like Special Graces from God or the Universe. Here note any positives that Spirit has sent your way; a parking space appearing when you desperately needed one; some relief from fear as a result of prayer; a well-timed phone call from an old friend; coming home at night to a basically happy marriage. Search out blessings you might otherwise overlook."
Games for the Soul

Aging and Liberation

"Here we see the paradox: what the Hindu seeks out seems like a horror to the Westerner. Losing a job, the kids gone, sexual diminishment, chronic aches, leaving home, seeing friends and family members die — what worse fate could the gods impose? It's as if the very self is being blown to bits.

"But this dissolution is, in a way, just what the Hindu wants. The self we've so identified with may be blocking us from spiritual Self. When we blow up the ego-self, what's left is more than a pile of ashes. Rising from it, like a phoenix, can be a vastly expanded sense of who we are. Different cultures use different words to express this phenomenon. 'I am the Divine Self, one with All.' 'I am a child of God.' 'I have an immortal Soul.'

"To the Hindu, aging is more than a series of meaningless losses. There are modes of liberation contributing to spiritual growth. If age strips away pride, pleasures, and profit, all the better. This process is a part of the karmic curriculum, challenging the little self. If our responsibilities are diminished, the time available to explore the sacred expands. Let us not flee these changes, but embrace them, utilizing them to the utmost."
Spiritual Passages

Pajama Prayer

"When you put on your pajamas (or equivalent) tonight take a moment for prayerful gratitude to your old friend. Even better, make the donning of the pajamas itself the prayer, as you prepare for healing sleep."
Sparks of the Divine