In this month's issue of Spirituality & Health writer and research scientist Emma Seppala tells us that play is good for us, body and soul. "When we engage in play we become like children again because we are fully present - a state which, for many spiritual traditions, is also equated with being one with divinity." She suggests that any activity that puts us 100% in the present moment is extraordinarily good for us, and, of course, the summer months make this easy. Concerts, art shows, fairs, time at the beach with loved ones, long walks under fine skies, playing in puddles in the rain, throwing the ball for the dog, choosing new toys or a lovely scarf for someones birthday party, even a new and different project at work - all opportunities to be present in having fun. "Mischief is the outcome of joy," writes His Holiness Sri Sri Ravvi Shankar. "What is life without fun?"
One of my favorite kinds of grown-up play is pilgrimage. Pilgrimage allows me to briefly step out of all the roles I hold dear - mother, spouse, minister, consultant, sister, friend, and be the Self that existed before those roles. Yes, my Self lives through the roles, illuminating them and being illuminated by them, but sometimes it seems a bit overwhelmed - sometimes it seems that I've become so serious about my life than everything and everyone in it has become work, and I'm concentrated on the past or concerned with the future, but rarely completely present in the present! That's when it's time to take a break.
Going on pilgrimage purposefully places me in the present moment for days on end, and in the presence of the sacred. I go on sacred-site pilgrimage to stand in the places where human beings have found and felt their connection to something life-giving and much bigger than themselves for hundreds or even thousands of years. I always expect to feel not much at all in these places beyond a sense of awe at the beauty people are capable of creating, or the natural beauty of the landscape. And so often I am pleasantly surprised to find that I feel so much more than that, that I am moved by the things that have happened in these places, and the people and their gods who acted them out. I am so often left with tears in my eyes, or with my heart pounding, surprised by the feelings of wonder, inclusion, joy, fear, anticipation, sorrow, and healing that overtakes me when I slow down enough, and open my heart and soul enough, to be overtaken. What wondrous love is this, oh my soul, oh my soul? What wondrous love is this, oh my soul?! I go to sacred sites and am always taken home to the sacred place inside myself - the place of being 100% present in my own life.
Going on pilgrimage purposefully places me in the present moment for days on end, and in the presence of the sacred. I go on sacred-site pilgrimage to stand in the places where human beings have found and felt their connection to something life-giving and much bigger than themselves for hundreds or even thousands of years. I always expect to feel not much at all in these places beyond a sense of awe at the beauty people are capable of creating, or the natural beauty of the landscape. And so often I am pleasantly surprised to find that I feel so much more than that, that I am moved by the things that have happened in these places, and the people and their gods who acted them out. I am so often left with tears in my eyes, or with my heart pounding, surprised by the feelings of wonder, inclusion, joy, fear, anticipation, sorrow, and healing that overtakes me when I slow down enough, and open my heart and soul enough, to be overtaken. What wondrous love is this, oh my soul, oh my soul? What wondrous love is this, oh my soul?! I go to sacred sites and am always taken home to the sacred place inside myself - the place of being 100% present in my own life.
I hope that you are looking forward to some time of play, retreat, and even pilgrimage with your Self and your family and friends as the summer begins. As UUs we acknowledge not only many sacred sources, but many sacred places, and I know you've got a few of your own. If you're moved toward pilgrimage, consider letting the church know that you'd be interested in the Hungary/Romania pilgrimage that's in its infancy stages of planning, or perhaps you'd like to travel with me to the sacred sites of France next year - we'll be going again May 5 - 12th, 2012. Take time to have fun this summer! It's good for you, body and soul.
Many blessings,
Rev. Jenniferquotes from: Your Soul Needs Playtime by Emma Seppala, PhD, in Spirituality & Health: The Soul/Body Connection . May/June 2011 p.50
