This is my experience of being silly and serious. In the state of silly, I enjoy the light, care free feeling of laughter and a relaxation of the rules or boundaries of systems. It is almost like a sensation of flight, full of an energetic activity and movement. In order to be in this state I sometimes sing, tell a joke, say something that really doesn't make any sense, and begin to move with enthusiasm and speed. I normally have to put a conscious effort into this state, and it can feel a bit forced, so it doesn't always last. In the state of seriousness, I enjoy the feeling of knowing and groundedness. I know that I am going to take time to make sure things are done right. I become careful to do things safely and without hurting others in any way physically or emotionally. I feel more comfortable in this state, and tend to fall into it with little effort. Both these states have their downsides too. When silliness gets out of control, the rules are forgotten, only the fast frantic feeling remains, leading to emotional and/or physical pain for myself and possibly others. When seriousness makes me too rigid it can lead to much the same effect as when silliness gets out of control. Both states can lead to head aches for me if I get to wrapped up in them. For me, a balance is important, knowing how to feel a situation both within and without, and respond with the appropriate attitude and behavior. Have you noticed this in your own experiences? Can you tell when you feel overwhelmed by behaving one way or another for a personally inappropriate time span?
There is a practical skill called mindfulness that has to do with ones ability to watch and observe rather than react to a situation. By my nature, I tend to want to do the first thing that comes to mind in different situations, especially situation that have a strong emotional and sensate reaction to them like getting your feelings hurt or stubbing your toe. If something really makes me laugh or feel like I am right, I can also react in a foolish or arrogant way that disregards consequences of those actions. Mindfulness gives me a bit of space to consider those consequences if there are any that seem to have an important effect considering the situation. Sometimes they might be small like using up a little energy for laughter, which is something that is healthy in a situation that is not harmful to one's own or another's feelings. Other times those consequences could mean getting into an argument, helping to create feelings of shame, breaking something, disregarding physical safety, etc. So for me, taking a step back from the sensation and emotional feeling has helped me redirect my energy from a harmful behavior towards one that would inspire more compassion for the feelings associated with different sensations and emotions like pain, anger, silliness, seriousness, etc. In this way I can better understand myself and others, living in a sense of balance within and without, laughing, and being thoughtful in ways that serve rather than poking mean fun and acting with anger which destroys. Have you ever had experiences in mindfulness, taking a step back to responds rather than reaction? How did that effect a situation where you felt like you were sifting a little to far into silly or serious?
Have a joyful week full of laughter and thoughtfulness, balanced between serious and silly, my friends!
With love and wellness to you -Aaron :-)