Lighten Up
As a spiritual teacher, I have learned that some people take my messages lightly and others really take them to heart–sometimes too seriously. This is why I choose to often say things in a funny way. It’s to get people to lighten up. I like to share deep concepts and then lighten things up so the message enters the soul of the listener instead of merely entering their head–which is likely if they take me too seriously. So I add a little levity to break the trance that some people get into with the messenger. This way they get the message but remain a little detached from the messenger. It also helps to add a little humor about myself or my own life.
If you read this carefully or listen to my teachings carefully, you will see a theme: I know the truth about things but I also respect the illusion. For example, I know the body is an illusion and yet I truly believe and advise that people eat well, exercise, and get body-work done on a regular basis.
Also, in my teaching, there is a theme of balance. For example, when I see people ignoring the importance of making God a priority in their life, I will get serious and “tell it like it is.” But then if I see people getting too serious about the spiritual path, I will make fun of it. It’s my way of teaching that as soon as we make something into a “sacred cow,” it’s no longer real and authentic. It’s now a false idol and must fall. On the other hand, if we take things too lightly and fail to keep our priorities straight, then we might very well be allowing mundane distractions to get the best of us, which is worth laughing at so we can see it for what it is and get back on track–but without shaming ourselves.
So, although it could look like I am contradicting myself, I am actually using purposeful paradoxes in order to teach a balance. Here are some examples:
*I make fun of sex addicts and yet I teach the value of sacred sexuality.
*I make jokes about the illusion of the body and yet advise that people take care of themselves.
*I make fun of people who make a religion out of diet and exercise and yet I admire people who can eat well without trying to guilt others who choose a different diet than theirs.
*I make fun of racists but I know they have pain that makes them the way they are.
*I make fun of spiritual teachers who care more about money than being helpful and yet I know each teacher and student will perfectly attract one another.
You see, it’s all about walking this wonderful line of balance. And, as a teacher, this is what I choose to do. However, there is always a danger of people taking me too seriously when I am joking. There is also a danger of people taking me too lightly when I am being serious. And the same thing might happen to us all. So we should all do our best to let others know when we are being serious and when we are kidding. It’s an act of loving respect and healthy communication. Nevertheless, if we try to be light about something that is very serious to someone else, they will miss the mood of what we are conveying and will likely interpret our words from the wrong place. This is pretty much unavoidable but we can do our best to be sensitive and keep them on the same track when we’re talking.
One thing is certain, however, if you ever hear me (or any other teacher) say or teach something that feels contrary to your beliefs or “rubs you the wrong way,” you have an option of either reacting and getting triggered OR asking what I/we meant by our comment. This way you are responsibly giving us the chance to explain ourselves–which all teachers who care about you should want you to do.