Comedians, at least the good ones, are the modern day fool; they take on the role of the Heyoka, the sacred clown. They get you to look at things in a different way, to recognize the absurd in everyday life. It is their role to offer us the possibility of changing the world.

I think it’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.
-George Carlin

Absurd (def): incongruous, unreasonable, ridiculous, silly (Oxford English Dictionary)

When we look for the absurd, it is never seen in those who have fewer advantages than we do; there is nothing ridiculous about having less. The absurd is never seen in those things which cannot be changed; there is nothing silly about skin color, gender, sexuality, or the culture into which someone is born.

There are many things that are incongruous about how a society functions, or about politics, sports, and major economic systems. There are many things that are unreasonable about how people in power operate.

Not being able to see those differences is a sign of emotional and spiritual immaturity.

Each of us has a little bit of Heyoka in us. It might be buried, though. Today’s suggestion is to find your inner Heyoka. Look for the absurd from a sacred place. Allow yourself to see things in a different light or from a different perspective. Recognize the humor inherent in the Divine creation. Maybe, if you’re feeling especially brave, you could even point it out to others.

This post is part of a new series called Monday Message, based on that day’s reflection from 365 Days to Enlightenment (authorized versions are currently out of print, working on a new edition). Check back next Monday for another one! You can also sign up for the Daily Message on my mailing list if you’d like to receive a new reflection every day. I also often post them to Instagram and Twitter, if either of those is a medium you enjoy.