Elder Muse/Day #4: Be The Source of Laughter

Purple Beauty Pepper/Photography by Gaye Abbott

In the last few years I consciously decided to go out into the world with intentions. They are to be kind, to listen giving my full attention even if I might not agree, to notice the beauty in the ordinary, to extend compassion, and to be the source of laughter.

These seemingly simple intentions create experiences that touch others – whether it be human, animal or nature herself – in ways that shift attention. Though there are times when it is more difficult to practice because I am experiencing my own challenges, it is the exact remedy for coming back into the possibilities there are for connection, shifts and positive change.

I am fortunate enough to have a weekly Tailgate Farmer’s Market in my small town within walking distance of my house. Being someone who loves local organic produce and supporting our local farmers and trades people, you will see me there interacting with the vendors and giving greetings to those I know. It is a great source of community and interaction.

Conversations evolve and unfold themselves, sometimes brief and sometimes giving support where needed. A few months ago when a hail storm hit and devastated one of my favorite local farms it meant embracing the owner as she cried about the loss of most all of her produce. The community stepped in quickly and immediately started a Go Fund Me to assist with the financial impact.

Another thing I can always count on at these markets are smiles and at times spontaneous laughter. To be a source of laughter I have learned that one must let go of trying to be that and not censor whatever wants to come out of your mouth. It is like improv humor and most often surprises me.

Yesterday I was at an extension of the market inside a building and looking at produce from another one of my favorite local farmers. Ava is a delightful woman and one can completely trust her produce for being organic and in some cases very unique. There are always smiles to exchange.

It was my turn to purchase and I held up a most beautiful and unique deep purple and yellow pepper and asked her what it was called. There were several others standing by her produce waiting their turn, her sister by her side, and the ambient sound of voices scattered in the room.

When she told me it was a “Purple Beauty” I had this very confused expression on my face and said to her in a questioning voice completely innocent, a “Purple Booty”? As Ava said, “no, a Purple Beauty”, I responded “well it’s been a long time!” and immediately joined in the raucous laughter spreading out into the room. .

Did I plan on saying that? Absolutely not. I like to think that it comes from my inner uncensored comedian that is often a source of laughter for myself and others, and is never worried about timing or being “appropriate”. After all we are elders and can get away with it.

I say, go out into the world and unleash your inner comedian. You may be surprised at what happens!

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when the world

goes mad

become wildly kind

to everyone

everyone

everyone

everyone

my love,

~ you can’t control

much

but you control how

you treat others

in these breaking news

heartbreaking times

when nothing feels

certain

let your raw kindness

be a certainty

allow your compassion

to become a North Star

stamped up in

the sky for

others to follow

back home

~ john roedel

johnroedel.com

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Over the next 31 days you will receive a Daily Elder Muse blog post accessed from the unfolding of the day – not planned or scheduled. Yes, the Muse is back again during this powerful and challenging shift time on our planet. May these words, stories and images assist you to remember who you are….

I have no idea what will arise…..but then do we really know ahead of time what our moment to moment daily experience will be? We are only asked to pay attention. ~Gaye Abbott

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Gaye Abbott, Wildly Free Elder, 04/18/24