Clown Around With The NBOTW

Posted by Barbara Swafford on Tuesday, May 13th 2008

Filed in: Archives, New Blog Of The Week

He writes stories of clowns, and stories of how to take life a little less seriously. He thinks we all need to be more playful.

Isn’t that great advice?

One important lesson he shared is highlighted in his post titled: Getting Your Hands Dirty

For me, a big part of engaging with my playful side has been learning to get my hands dirty, to stop worrying whether or not a project I am working on will end up completely perfect.

When children are at play, they are so completely present in the world that they don’t notice if they’re getting mucky or making a mess. I’m trying to learn to be like this too.

This blogger studies clowns and jesters. In his post named:How To Be An Everyday Clown, he writes:

Clowns have a freedom and unpredictability of spirit. They are willing to say, do, and be something different, taking the risk of being ridiculed.

One of the keys to being playful is having a freedom and unpredictability of spirit. In the midst of daily drudge and routine everyday clowns bring sparkles and smiles through a moment of unconscious silliness or spontaneous dancing.

Spontaneity is good, as is being a little unpredictable. Both traits will often encourage us to look at life a little differently.

This blog promotes playfulness. In fact, it’s the name of the blog: Be Playful.org

The author’s name is David, and he found me. (you may have seen him in the comment section)

Join me in welcoming David as the NBOTW.

For writings that will encourage playfulness in your life, visit his blog for more great stories, and share a smile

Hello again, David.

Photo Credit: The Wandering Angel’s photostream

15 Comments

Debbie Yost

said on May 13th, 2008

Congratulations, David for making BWAB NBOTW! In this day we need a little more laughter and silliness in our lives.

Barbara,
Thank you for this recommendation. I know I need to be more playful at times and hopefully David can help bring out the inner child in me.

Debbie Yosts last blog post..Trials of Running a Home Daycare

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Hunter Nuttall

said on May 13th, 2008

Congratulations, David. I’ll certainly be checking you out.

Barbara, I’ve found that it’s a good idea to just go ahead and subscribe to the NBOTW blogs. You’ve already pre-screened them for us, and you come up with some real gems!

Hunter Nuttalls last blog post..How To Be A Woman

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Natural

said on May 13th, 2008

Welcome David. I am big clown and people call me silly a lot. Laughter is the best medicine. I’ll check out your blog. Thanks for sharing Barbara.

Naturals last blog post..4 Ways to Avoid Arguments About Money

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Chris

said on May 13th, 2008

Glad to meet another clown. Thanks Barbara.

Chriss last blog post..A Mother’s Sacrifice

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Barbara Swafford

said on May 13th, 2008

Hi Debbie,

Playfulness is something we often forget about, as we get so wrapped up in our daily lives. Read David’s blog for good reminders.

Hi Hunter,

Thank you. Yes, I do pre-screen them, and often follow them for awhile before adding them.

Hi Natural,

You’re welcome.

Hi Chris,

So you’re another clown, too? Then you know the secret to making others smile.

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Shilpan | successsoul.com

said on May 13th, 2008

Barbara -

This is my favorite pick. I’ve found in David a genuine friend and selfless person. He’s helped me already with Stumble and comments so many times without expecting much in return.
Thanks for choosing my friend.

I recommend everyone to subscribe to David’s blog.

Shilpan

Shilpan | successsoul.coms last blog post..Guest Post on Pick The Brain Blog

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Barbara Swafford

said on May 13th, 2008

Hi Shilpan,

David does have an excellent blog, doesn’t he?

For me, it’s another favorite read.

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Cath Lawson

said on May 13th, 2008

Thanks Barbara - David’s blog and domain are v original. I’ll look forward to reading some more.

Cath Lawsons last blog post..Is StumbleUpon Going Down The Tubes?

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Barbara Swafford

said on May 13th, 2008

Hi Catherine,

David did use originality when it came to his domain name, including using the .org, instead of .com. It’s a great technique for branding.

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Natasha

said on May 13th, 2008

Hi Barbara, thanks for recommending David’s blog. I am also a firm believe in being playful and spontaneous. In my family we love to laugh and joke around and I believe that this is why many people think we are way younger then we look. Laughter is definitely the best medicine.
Natashas last blog post..Words of Wisdom

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J.D. Meier

said on May 13th, 2008

It reminds me of a rule I’ve always lived by:
“Don’t take life too seriously — you’ll never get out alive.”

Hmmm … I guess the rule doesn’t make much sense when you read it, but the point was to play more.

I’m not sure where I got this rule from but it looks like it might be from Bugs Bunny.

J.D. Meiers last blog post..3 Interview Questions for Picking the Right People

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Barbara Swafford

said on May 14th, 2008

Hi Natasha,

It’s great to see you here again.

Laughter is great medicine, isn’t it. And if it makes us look younger, all the better.

Hi J.D.

LOL. We don’t get out alive, do we?

Life is way too short to take too seriously. Bugs Bunny is always good for a laugh too.

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Jenny

said on May 14th, 2008

Oh, how I love to laugh, and I love people who make me laugh. Good for you, David!

Jennys last blog post..You’ve Got The Floor

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Barbara Swafford

said on May 15th, 2008

Hi Jenny,

Welcome to the BWAB community.

Laughing is great, isn’t it. They say it’s the best medicine, and I have to believe that.

I just checked out your blog. Love the story on mopping the floor.

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David | beplayful

said on May 16th, 2008

Thanks to everyone who’s commented on this post about beplayful.org - I’m delighted by such a positive response!

I’ve decided to reply individually to each comment:

Debbie,
Thank you - hopefully I’ll be bringing silliness and laughter your way!

Hunter,
Thank you too - I hope you find beplayful.org to be a ‘real gem’.

Natural,
Please come and share your clowning at beplayful! I’d love to hear what you think about my clowns article.

Chris,
Pleased to meet you too

Shilpan,
Thank you for all your continued support and friendship.

Cath,
I look forward to hearing any comments you have on my posts.

Natasha,
You smiling avatar picture brought me a smile too! Isn’t it great how happiness and smiles spread happiness and smiles?

J.D.,
Anyone who learns their life rules from Bugs Bunny instantly makes it to my favourite person’s book.

Jenny,
To many laughs in the future!

Thank you again for all your comments - it’s been really helpful to find out what others think a blog on being playful should be about: laughter, silliness and spontaneity (with a bit of Bugs Bunny thrown in for good measure!)

David

David | beplayfuls last blog post..Playing in the Blogosphere

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