IEC 2018 Laughing at Ourselves by Susanne Cook-Greuter, Michael Nelson Doshin, Angela H. Bogo

Summary

The video script outlines an interactive workshop focused on the art of 'fooling,' which is a practice aimed at fostering self-awareness, spontaneity, and a sense of humor. Participants are guided through a series of exercises that encourage them to let go of their inhibitions and connect with their inner 'fool.' The session begins with a relaxation technique to achieve clarity and selfless caring, followed by a playful approach to movement and interaction with others. The workshop emphasizes the importance of respect, non-harm, and appreciation for the efforts of others. It introduces the concept of 'sacred laughter,' a spontaneous expression of joy that arises from deep within, and invites participants to embrace the spirit of the fool, which is characterized by gentleness and a willingness to take risks. The session concludes with an invitation to sign a 'Fool in Sign You're Seriously Life Away' contract, symbolizing commitment to the practice, and to share personal stories of foolishness and risk-taking as a way to connect with others.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Start with Bodhichitta: Begin by finding stillness and clarity, which leads to a deep selfless caring for the universe.
• 🌱 Relax and Breathe: Allow the body to relax and find the natural rhythm of the breath to achieve a state of calm.
• 💔 Open Your Heart: Let go of likes, dislikes, fears, and hopefulness to find peace and openness within.
• : Empty Your Mind: Release thoughts and beliefs to experience the underlying stillness and the true 'I am-ness'.
• 🤡 Embrace the Fool: Engage with the 'big mind process', starting as an innocent child and developing into a wise old fool.
• 🪑 Respect Your Environment: Show gratitude to the objects around you, like the chair you sit on, for their service.
• 🤝 Connect with Others: Through movement and interaction, build a connection with those around you in a mindful way.
• 🌀 Move with Care: When changing positions or moving objects, do so with respect and mindfulness to avoid harm.
• 🎭 Play the Role: Explore inhabiting the fool through various missions and interactions to discover new aspects of yourself.
• 📜 Commit to the Process: Sign a 'contract' as a symbolic agreement to engage fully with the fooling process and its guidelines.
• 🎉 Celebrate Mistakes: View mistakes as opportunities and embrace the unexpected as part of the learning and growing experience.
• 🙏 Express Gratitude: Acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in the event, from staff to fellow participants.
• 🌟 Take Risks: Use the spirit of the fool to encourage risk-taking and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
• 🤗 Share Experiences: Engage with others by sharing personal stories of risk, foolery, or inspiration from the event.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'bodhichitta' mentioned in the script?

Bodhichitta is a term from Tibetan Buddhism, referring to the mind of enlightenment or the altruistic intention to become enlightened for the benefit of all sentient beings. In the context of the script, it is used as a starting point for meditation, where one begins with absolute clarity and stillness, leading to a deep selfless caring.

How does the script suggest one should start the meditation process?

The script suggests starting the meditation process by first relaxing the body, becoming completely still, and focusing on the natural rhythm of the breath. Once the body is relaxed, one should then open the heart, letting go of likes, dislikes, fears, and hopefulness, and empty the mind of all thoughts to attain stillness.

What is the significance of the 'fool' in the context of the script?

In the script, the 'fool' represents a state of innocence and openness to experience. It is a part of the 'fooling' process, which involves letting go of the self and returning to a childlike state of being. The fool is seen as a natural part of the journey from innocence to wisdom, symbolizing the transformation from 'innocent child' to 'wise old fool'.

What is the purpose of the physical chair-moving exercise described in the script?

The chair-moving exercise is a form of mindful movement that encourages participants to be present and aware of their actions and surroundings. It also serves as a practical task that requires cooperation and care, fostering a sense of community and respect for others in the space.

How does the script describe the process of interacting with a partner during the 'fooling' exercise?

The script describes an exercise where one person moves while the other absorbs and watches. When the first person stops, the second person moves, and the first watches. This back-and-forth movement is meant to be done in silence, promoting a sense of connection and awareness between the two participants.

What is the 'sacred laughter' practice mentioned in the script?

Sacred laughter is a practice from integral Zen, introduced by the speaker's teacher. It involves a spontaneous emergence of laughter, often used as a way to break through into a deeper state of meditation or awareness. The script suggests starting with 'sacred kvetching' or moaning as a way to lead into sacred laughter.

What are the guidelines or rules for participating in the 'fooling' game during the conference?

The guidelines for the 'fooling' game include respecting everyone and everything, not projecting onto others, not causing unnecessary harm, cleaning up any messes made, being a blessing, and practicing saying 'yes' when in doubt. The spirit of the fool is described as gentle, and participants are encouraged to enjoy themselves.

How does the script encourage participants to engage with the 'fooling' concept throughout the conference?

The script encourages participants to engage with the 'fooling' concept by offering twelve 'foolish missions' that they can complete throughout the conference. There is also a poster for participants to write about their experiences as The Fool, and a commitment contract to sign, symbolizing their agreement to participate in the game.

What is the significance of the 'mistake' in the context of the 'fooling' process?

In the context of the 'fooling' process, a mistake is seen as an opportunity or a 'doorway' to something else. It is a moment to enjoy and learn from, rather than a failure. The script encourages participants to embrace the unexpected and to see it as part of the journey.

What is the role of the community board mentioned in the script?

The community board serves as a place where participants can post ideas for activities or interactions they'd like to do as a 'fool' during the conference. It is a way to share and collaborate on the 'fooling' experience with others.

How does the script suggest participants approach the concept of risk-taking in the context of 'fooling'?

The script suggests that one of the biggest invitations that the fool brings is to say 'yes' to taking a risk of some kind. This could involve making an offer to others or accepting offers made towards them. The spirit of the fool is about being open to new experiences and stepping outside of one's comfort zone.