the Way of the Showman 148 - Play is the Way (Showmanship & Play 30 of 30)
What if imagination isn't a distraction from truth, but our only reliable path to experiencing it?
In this episode we conclude our 30-part exploration of showmanship through the lens of play. Using a personal case study of creating a plate-spinning poetry act, we witness how true artistic creation evolves organically—not as random elements slapped together, but as a cohesive vision that transcends its individual components.
The journey takes an unexpected turn when the pandemic transforms both the physical performance and its meaning. Standing amidst twelve wobbling plates with a flaming book of poetry, we discover that sometimes the most powerful moment comes not from triumphantly saving everything from collapse, but from creating a sacred space for what matters most while the world metaphorically burns around us.
We explore the wisdom of foxes—both from Ylvis Brothers' viral hit and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince—about establishing meaningful ties that make each of us unique in all the world. The real-life Lord of the Flies story reveals how six shipwrecked boys thrived through cooperation rather than descending into savagery, challenging our often-cynical views of human nature.
At its heart, this exploration reveals play as the compass that guides us through life's overwhelming possibilities. By pursuing activities that satisfy the five criteria of play, we unlock not just enjoyment but all human behavioral needs—from creativity and wonder to love and friendship. The world changes when we view it through the lens of play, revealing better ways of being with ourselves and each other.
Take some time to play with yourself and those you love. After all, play might just be the most serious undertaking we can pursue.
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