The Joy of Elevated Existence: Unleashing the Power of Authentic Fun

Embodying the true sensation of feeling alive may often seem elusive. We find ourselves encapsulated in a hamster wheel of constant activity, incessant scrolling and seemingly never-ending endeavors. Despite being swamped with tasks, our lives somehow feel lackluster, laden with a sense of languidness, even apathy. It's almost as if we are consumed by a pervasive emptiness, an existential void. This feeling of half-hearted engagement with our surroundings, a sense of being somewhat detached from life itself, is more common than we might imagine.

The relentless hustle and bustle of modern life has lulled us into a state of resignation. We are ceaselessly preoccupied, yet we find ourselves grappling with an internal quagmire. We are chronically spent, yet paradoxically filled with an insatiable desire to escape the monotony. Acknowledging this existential dilemma is the first step towards addressing it. And there is a solution: to engage in an age-old human activity - having fun.

Despite this seemingly simple solution, the issue lies in our understanding of "fun". We tend to use the term synonymously with any activity that fills our leisure time, even if it's not remotely enjoyable or simply squanders our time. For instance, many browse social media "for fun," which often leaves them feeling discontent or dissatisfied with their lives. Similarly, we categorize experiences as fun even when we don't plan on repeating them, ever again. This loose interpretation of "fun" is not entirely our fault, given that the dictionary itself provides an insufficient definition.

The dictionary definition paints fun as "amusement or enjoyment", or "lighthearted pleasure", associating it mainly with childish play or optional frivolities. But if we dig deep and revisit our memories that we recount as truly fun, we notice that these experiences are not shallow. Instead, they are the ones that hold a special place, bringing great joy, translating into some of the most cherished memories of our lives.

Fun, therefore, is not a frivolity. It is not confined to the realm of children, nor is it an optional extra. Fundamentally, fun is the key to feeling truly alive. Today, let's challenge the conventional understanding of fun and reveal its profound implications. Let's illumine some of the ways in which fun can be strikingly beneficial for us, and share some strategies for experiencing its transformative power in our own lives.

Firstly, we need to understand that fun is not an activity, but an emotion. An important distinction because when asked, many people would respond with a list of activities they enjoy, like dancing, skiing, or pickleball (a sport that seems universally fun). However, we've all had instances where something that should be fun doesn't feel fun, and vice versa. Hence, the crux of fun lies not in the activity itself, but in the feeling it emanates.

The joy of fun can be recognized easily, because those experiencing fun look seemingly illuminated from within. It's a radiating, visceral sense of lightness and joy that transcends mundane activities. Take, for example, a few presidents, or Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, seemingly having fun together. In the depth of this shared joy lies the essence of fun.

Fun, as per the anecdotes shared by numerous people, comprises of three key elements: playfulness, connection, and flow. Playfulness embodies a lighthearted attitude, just doing things for their own sake without worrying too much about the outcome. Connection refers to sharing a unique experience, which could be with oneself, the environment, or, more commonly, another person. And Flow is the state of being so engrossed in something that we lose track of time.

These elements, when experienced simultaneously, culminate in the joy of fun. Fun thus emerges as a profound elixir of life, the sunshine that lights up our lives. It is deeply energizing, making us more present, uniting us with fellow humans, improving our health and, most importantly, filling our lives with innate joy.

To experience this joy, we need to create more opportunities for playfulness, connection, and flow. We need to decrease distractions, enhance in-person interactions, and find opportunities for playful rebellion against the rigidities of adulthood. Above all, fun should be prioritized, for in its essence, fun is not just sunshine, but a symbol of life's energy. When we experience it more often, we not only feel happier but truly alive.

At the end of the day, having fun has far-reaching effects. It makes us more creative and productive, resilient, and joyous. It helps us become better partners, parents, and friends. We need to set ourselves an open challenge - to rekindle the joy of fun in our lives and feel blessedly alive once again.