Today’s A-to-Z blogging challenge, wherein I’m writing a manifesto of what I believe and what delights me based on unusual words, has us wandering through the land of L. Let’s pause here so I can introduce you to a favorite word: ludic.
ludic – adj. “playful in an aimless way; showing spontaneous and undirected playfulness.”
Just being in the vicinity of the word makes me smile. It invites a loosening, a letting go, a willingness to step back into an unstructured state where we can engage with our world without our usual filters. There’s something quite expansive about that, quite freeing, And of course quite fun.
One of the things I think we most need in this world is more of a sense of playfulness. It’s not that I’ve donned some version of rose-colored Pollyanna glasses and can’t see things are challenging; that there are problems everywhere we turn; things that need to be addressed; and issues that need resolution. I understand that. But I also see how fear-based so many people are and how so much of our interaction with others is based in separation consciousness; how stressed and stretched to the breaking point so many are, and how that never makes for thoughtful, helpful, expansive decisions.
When we laugh, when we play, we open our energy and we literally lighten up. And that most definitely is a good thing.
Perhaps I didn’t play enough as a child. I certainly was a solemn sad little sprout. So I think it delights me even more now as an adult when I find myself transported into a ludic state. It’s one of the paradoxes I like most about myself – I’m mostly serious and reflective and deep-thinking, but I also delight in playfulness. I mean seriously, how many would-be wise women do you know who feel it’s their mission to keep their feet on the joy trail? The fact that life itself is ironic feels like such a wonderful example of the ludic principle in action to me.
I often associate tarot’s Fool with the ludic world. I always want to stay attached to that Fool energy, no matter where I’m traveling or what archetype I’m embodying in the tarot journey. I want to be able to tap into that playful potential.
Elemental Tarot – Stella Tarot
I believe in the power and magic of ludic interludes to shift things, to open up possibilities, and most importantly invite laughter and joy.
What about you? Does spontaneous playfulness show up in your world often? What does it look like for you? What does tarot’s Fool make you think of? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
I wouldn’t mind being ludic at times, but not to the point of being ludicrous! I’d have to have people laughing AT me instead of WITH me!
Sounds like a reasonable plan Janet. Only good-natured laughing allowed.
A new word for me, thank you. And thank you for visiting me on the A-Z challenge.
Some of the times I MOST delight my young adult daughter are when I spontaneously act silly, child-like, and laughter-ful. (I just invented that word.) I strive for more of those ludic moments. Best!
Laughterful is a wonderful word – I’m adding it to my dictionary. Wishing you lots of ludic moments.
Another new word for me and again you’ve inspired interesting responses. It occurs to me (and my own L Day blog is an excellent example) that I don’t mind having people laugh AT me. A lot of the time, they can see the humor in my world before I do.
I love your attitude Claudia, and that’s a wonderful way to look at – others seeing the humor in your world first.
I didn’t know there was actually a word for what I like to do on a regular basis – let my inner child out to play! Thanks for the education ?
Nice Kimberley – way to go!
Oh I like when I learn a new word and especially something so delightful as ludic.
I do too Josefine.
I so enjoy laughter, and yes, although I’ve always been a bit of a serious person, I love playing jokes and making those around me laugh. I prefer a smile any day all day.
Making me smile Yolanda. Here’s to an endless supply of laughter.
Oh, what a wonderful word! Ludic. It’s so much fun to get lost in a ludic state when all the funnest and most magical kinkles come out! I think for me being in a ludic state happens most often in Nature, talking to the critters, rocks trees and flowers. I am usually 8. I’m 62, but my inner 8 year old is very strong.
Thanks for the new word, and as always a fun, thoughtful and amusing post.
Peace,
Mary
Those glorious inner 8-year-olds know how to laugh and have fun. May they always!
Every day I’m experiencing some of ludic. I have a dog, a cat and a MIL with Alzheimer’s who acts sometimes very child like…
Evalina, This and that…
Wishing you much joy and laughter always Evalina.
Thank you Deborah.
I am currently writing my dissertation on role-playing games, so I had to read a whole lot of ludology… I do believe play is an essential part of being human 🙂
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
What an interesting dissertation topic. And I do hope you’re having lots of fun with it!
Ludic is a wonderful word – and I hope ludic defines a fair part of my life! Thank you for including it in your wonderful manifesto!
Wishing you lots of laughter and play always.