Awaken Through Play? Huzzah!

A group of people seated, dressed in Rennaissance costumes

There is an air of magic around Renaissance Festivals, and it’s more than the witches who clearly attend. I’ve been to the Maryland Ren Fest for several years now, and every year I have more fun than the last. There’s something about grown adults of all ages playing dress-up and actively taking part in merriment that makes the heart full.

I wasn’t always happy to be there. Twenty years ago, I found Renn Fest to be very uncomfortable. I didn’t like how everyone wanted to talk with me, or how the characters were so outlandish with their words and actions. One of the performers even tried to give me a flower for my hair, and I outright refused to play along. With today’s perspective, she probably could tell I wasn’t having fun and wanted to help me.

So, what shifted? Shifts like these happen through the journey of awakening. Spiritual Awakening practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama, coupled with the healing practice of therapy, have brought me closer to my true, authentic Self.

The Self, with the capital “S,” is your Divine Nature. It’s who you are before life beats you down and before society and loved ones tell you who you have to be. Your true Self lives in your heart space and survives even when this physical body dies. It’s the wise, intuitive part of you that always knows what you need to feel whole, loved, and joyful.

Luckily, we don’t have to wait for death to tap into our true Self. We can learn to access her while living an earthbound life. But it takes time, effort, and commitment. As I said earlier, addressing your darkness through therapy is part of it, and meditation helps you tap in daily. Divine Nature can be subtle, especially at first. So, a daily check-in is a must.

But if you’re not ready to do the deeper work, an easier way to tap into Self is allow room for play. I think that’s why the Renn Fest is magical. Everyone is friendly, and almost everyone is committed to play. There is singing and clapping, laughter and dancing. There are games and beautiful artists with their amazing crafts. Food that makes you feel like a kid and live shows that encourage participation.

After dressing up and playing all day it’s easier to remember why I’m here and who I am. We are all here for the same purpose: to awaken. Awakening is not just changing what we believe, but how we experience life.

And dare I say the Renn Fest can help with that journey? Yes, yes, it can. If you allow yourself to play, act silly and surrender to the magic.

Huzzah!