The Jester

I revisited C.G. Jung's work on “archetypes” the other day. The last four archetypes are part of "the return". Specifically:

When the archetypes of the return are activated, people and organizations know who they are at a deeper level than they once did. Now they are motivated to seek out ways to use their gifts and perspectives to make a difference in the world. They no longer yearn to be taken care of, and they do not blame others or find excuses. Rather, they live and work in ways that express their values, commitments, and talents in a socially responsible manner. These archetypes generally are awakened and in balance within psychologically mature individuals and organizations able not only to benefit from the rights of living in a free society, but also to undertake the responsibilities of active, engaged citizenship.

In the context of Jung's journey, this would seem to be the life stage I'm entering. One of the archetypes in this stage is The Jester - "The Jester archetype urges us to enjoy the process of our lives. Although the Jester can be prone to laziness and dissipation, the positive Jester invites us all out to play - showing us how to turn our work, our interactions with others, and even the most mundane tasks into FUN."

I can definitely say that I'm trying to have more fun - especially at work. I did a post a couple of months ago about and LED belt buckle I got. I've done a number of movie events - including an outing to DaVinci Code. I was the voice of a phone application called "Karaoke Trax" (including singing such classics as "YMCA" myself). I even played a relatively elaborate practical joke on my boss and another co-worker - complete with cryptic clues as to the identity of the perpetrator.

Three other recent events highlight my emerging inner-Jester. Two weeks ago, a close co-worker of mine was leaving the company. After almost seven years of service, he moved to NYC so his wife could pursue a brain cancer research fellowship there. A number of us were disappointed to see him go and wanted to send him off in style. So we (mostly the "me" part of "we") organized a surprise lunch for him complete with Irish food, a roast, and a singing telegram by a Leprechaun (yes, he is Irish). Although I had asked others to speak at the roast, most of them backed out moments before the event. So I quickly repurposed a Powerpoint presentation he and I had worked on regarding a "Product Lifecycle" for the company and changed it into a "Roast Lifecycle" - basically doing a search-and-replace on "product" for "roast". Then I made up the rest as I went along. I've never had to think that quickly on my feet before from a comedic / performance perspective but it came off very well.

A couple of days ago, I was up in Anchorage, Alaska for a pledge-brother's wedding. The reception was held at a golf course and the room had a patio on one side. The patio was pretty narrow and then had a steep drop-off. Part way through the evening, I decided we should sled down the hill. A friend and I found a flipchart pad and we were off to the races. A number of people (including the groom) followed suit. The groom was so into it that he decided we should tumble down the hill. So he and I took off our dress shirts and rolled down the hill. I wasn't expecting to go so fast or be so dizzy at the bottom but I made it through just fine. I also tried to sled head-first down the hill but missed the flipchart and ended up with grass stains on my navy dress pants (hopefully the dry-cleaners will be able to get them out).

The third event is actually a work-in-progress. I'm organizing a talent show at work and will be both a performer and the MC. My act is still taking shape but will include some combination of stability balls and the song "Eye of the Tiger" (from the movie Rocky). I have lots of fun ideas for other acts but the real trick will be getting others to agree to perform in front of a number of co-workers. More info on this as it unfolds. The big event is Thursday, August 17.

My point here is that I couldn't see myself doing any of these things 5 years ago or really even 1-2 years ago. I like the change and hope it continues.