More Fun After a Thousand Practices

I’ve tried to imagine other experiences where the joy begins after thousands of practices. Perhaps playing music is close. The element of playfulness is part of the practice. Tai chi practitioners are often called players. I probably don’t give playfulness enough reign—there is always the business of doing what I must to keep mobile with mutliple sclerosis.

I remember the philosopher Johann Huizinga’s (Homo Ludens) distinction: It is possible to play in earnest but not possible to play if one is serious. His distinction resonates; making it part of me is another matter.