Hello Reader!
Put on a Tutu!
“Papa,” my granddaughter June said while grabbing his hand. Come play with me!”
June took him to the toybox in the play area, opened it, and began hunting through it, pulling out a tutu and wings.
“Let’s dress up! Put on a tutu, Papa!”
I had to chuckle, now mildly curious, but I was running out of the house on an errand, so I didn’t see what unfolded next. Jay is not the type you would typically describe as “goofy.” I am confident he has never put on a tutu.
A bit later, I ran into the two of them playing outside near the gnome house Jay had built. And there they were: he was dressed in a tutu and jester hat, while June wore a tutu and fairy wings.
The scene was endearing, almost magical, and captured something we often forget as we grow older: the wisdom of not taking ourselves too seriously and diving into the play of life.
This week, the theme is all about becoming The Fool.
Drawing The Fool Card
Years ago, when I first got my Zen tarot cards, I often drew The Fool card. Each time, I’d cringe a little. The Fool? But wait, I want to be the wise one, not the fool! My inner voices would chime in sarcastically: You are a fool. You know nothing. Proof!
At the time, the card and those voices felt like a slap in the face. After all, I had spent my life accumulating knowledge, striving to be the straight-A student who “knew stuff.” I was earnest—determined to understand the world through study and reason.
Aspiring to be The Fool
But life has a way of teaching us that true wisdom doesn’t always come from knowing. Little did I know then that being a fool was something to aspire to. It took me years to realize that my constant need to be the “learner” was actually holding me back from becoming wise.
There’s something deeply freeing about becoming the fool. A fool is fully present, open to life as it unfolds. A fool doesn’t have an agenda. A fool says yes to the unknown, to play, to curiosity. And in doing so, the fool steps into a place of profound wisdom—an unknowing that allows life to reveal itself in new ways.
My Zen Assignment This Week
Shortly after the tutu scene, I logged in to check my weekly assignment from our Zen teacher. A huge grin spread across my face when I saw it:
This week, set aside time to play the fool. Practice being a child again, encountering the world as if everything is new. Practice curiosity, fascination, and wonder. Engage with your environment using all your senses. Practice simply being here, open and receptive to life as it reveals itself.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Sometimes, the most profound wisdom comes when we stop trying so hard to be “wise” and instead allow ourselves to be playful and embrace the role of the fool.
About The Fool Zen Tarot card
In The Fool card from my Osho Zen tarot deck, the figure leaves the past behind with every step, carrying nothing more than purity, innocence, and trust. He leaps into the unknown with the full support of the universe, trusting that life will unfold as it should. And while his actions may seem foolish to others—or even to himself—the fool’s strength lies in his trust, openness, and willingness to jump into life’s river without hesitation.
There’s great wisdom in being a fool. The fool is present, playful, and free of the fear of looking foolish. Allowing ourselves to step into that space makes room for new experiences, wonder, and connection.
Becoming a Lifelong Unlearner
Not too long ago, I realized that instead of declaring myself a lifelong learner, I wanted to commit to being a lifelong unlearner. I want to practice always letting go of the need to know the correct answer or follow a prescribed path. I want to say yes to moments of silliness, curiosity, and life as it is—raw, messy, and beautiful.
Just as I finished writing this piece, June came by our house.
“Hey Amma!” She called, running over to the toy box. “Let’s put on tutus! Here, you can wear this!”
She handed me the jester hat along with the black tutu. So, I let go of my agenda—to finish this newsletter—and instead found the joy of embarking on some unknown fool’s errand!
Closing Practice:
This week, take five minutes to be the fool. Try something new, something that might make you laugh or feel a little silly. Let go of any expectations and be present in the moment, open to whatever unfolds. Play, laugh, wear a tutu and jester hat—step into the unknown with trust and openness. You might find that the fool within you is wiser than ever imagined.
Good News Section:
Before you go off to embrace your inner fool, here are a few exciting updates from my world:
A Playful Request:
Now, I’d love to invite you to do something fun and helpful—like playing the fool, but this time with a purpose. Have you already read Naked in the Now? If you have, I’d be tickled pink if you’d share a review!
Imagine putting on that jester hat (or tutu, if you prefer) and leaping into the unknown world of online reviews. Write something playful, heartfelt, or even foolish—after all, life is meant to be enjoyed! Your review helps others discover the book and its message, no matter how whimsical.
Ready? Don your virtual tutu and head over to Amazon (click on the rating link next to the stars), Goodreads(click on the “rate this book” section) or Barnes and Noble to leave a review. Trust me, I will appreciate it no matter how “foolish” it may feel! 🎉
Smiles,
https://marijkemccandless.com
Kirkus Reviews endorses Naked in the Now!
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