05.25.08
flawed metaphor
Here is a flawed metaphor (but isn’t every metaphor flawed, since it isn’t meant to describe the thing exactly??) to build on yesterday’s ‘trust & risk’ theme:
There is a risk in going outdoors in the winter: You could freeze (I am in Pennsylvania; then again, you could freeze in May, too, here). It is much more comfortable indoors under blankets and with t.v. (If you have one, or either).
By being professional, stand-offish, and lock-step–that is, by not using our sense of humor–we are staying indoors. It is comfortable, we aren’t in danger of getting cold, we can see who wins Dancing with the Stars, we can eat comfort food. But too long inside and we get cabin-fever, we gain weight, we become sluggish. Because we are not using skills we know we have.
On the other hand, when we take the risk and go outdoors–when we use our sense of humor–it is shockingly cold at first, but the more we get used to being outside, the more fun it becomes. We can appreciate the sun hitting the white snow, as it contrasts the blue sky. (We can appreciate how other people brighten as we give them permission to let down their guard). We can appreciate playing in snow, and skiing, sled-riding, running in the snow. We can appreciate playing. We are feeling good, because we are exercising our muscles, we are breathing fresh air! We are also clearing the air for others to be around us–we are creating that environment of lightness, fun, humanness.
But stay outside too long and we risk getting frostnip or frostbite (cold hands means more than warm heart, it also means someone is very funny from taking so many risks in winter…) Similarly, people who are always looking on the funny side, may be in denial, may miss things that should be taken seriously, may put themselves at an inverse-risk.
Once again, you have to trust that taking that risk is going to be worth it, and trust that you will know when you need to go back indoors. But you also have to trust that you will survive if you DO venture outdoors into the world of humor….
(Photo is a jacket for cold weather that I am currently selling on ebay. Buy it and you will be ready to be funny.) Only 2d 14hrs left! How is that for cross-pollenization of my services?
