This makes me think of the riddle in Cloud Cuckoo Land, “He that knows all that Learning ever Writ, knows only this?” When Aethon is trying to figure out the answer he asks himself “was it simple but actually complicated or was complicated but actually simple?” I wonder as adults we do this to play. Is play simple or complicated? Maybe it’s simple, and we make it complicated…
Oh, I think your husband is definitely onto something. Carl Jung was terrific at this idea, and Jungians in particular are very helpful about this rediscovery of our playful selves in the second half of life. (My favorite is James Hollis.)
I noticed when searching quotes, there was more than one by Jung. You actually have always seemed like someone who is good at playing. I've been reading your Substack for a couple years at least. I love the way you play and draw in your journals. And then so generously share.
Thanks for the James Hollis recommendation, Austin. :)
Chuck Swindoll said something along the lines of: 'Americans worship their work, play at their worship, and work at their play.' We are so utilitarian! Everything must be useful!
I like your thought that play is spiritual. We can't do it without trust that their is a good God who gives a good life and we are safe in Him, and that their is joy and beauty in the world, again, because of Him.
Yes! The whole "worshiping work" and "working at play" thing. So guilty.
It feels so outrageous, to suggest that playing is "spiritual" - or an act of (gasp) worship. And yet, how "useful" really, is most of what we do on Sunday mornings--songs, liturgy, etc. I mean from a "getting stuff done" point of view? The older I get, the more "unuseful" stuff I want to do.
This makes me think of the riddle in Cloud Cuckoo Land, “He that knows all that Learning ever Writ, knows only this?” When Aethon is trying to figure out the answer he asks himself “was it simple but actually complicated or was complicated but actually simple?” I wonder as adults we do this to play. Is play simple or complicated? Maybe it’s simple, and we make it complicated…
I know I can make it complicated, for sure. I'd love to spend much more time on "fools errands". ;)
Oh, I think your husband is definitely onto something. Carl Jung was terrific at this idea, and Jungians in particular are very helpful about this rediscovery of our playful selves in the second half of life. (My favorite is James Hollis.)
I noticed when searching quotes, there was more than one by Jung. You actually have always seemed like someone who is good at playing. I've been reading your Substack for a couple years at least. I love the way you play and draw in your journals. And then so generously share.
Thanks for the James Hollis recommendation, Austin. :)
Chuck Swindoll said something along the lines of: 'Americans worship their work, play at their worship, and work at their play.' We are so utilitarian! Everything must be useful!
I like your thought that play is spiritual. We can't do it without trust that their is a good God who gives a good life and we are safe in Him, and that their is joy and beauty in the world, again, because of Him.
Yes! The whole "worshiping work" and "working at play" thing. So guilty.
It feels so outrageous, to suggest that playing is "spiritual" - or an act of (gasp) worship. And yet, how "useful" really, is most of what we do on Sunday mornings--songs, liturgy, etc. I mean from a "getting stuff done" point of view? The older I get, the more "unuseful" stuff I want to do.