Everyone needs a touch of whimsy.
October 8, 2020. Communities around the world are still reeling from the trauma of COVID-19. In the darkness of night, ‘aliens’ invade Bowmount Park in northwest Calgary, leaving their indelible mark on six park benches.
Six small plaques. Highly professional creations with laser-inscribed words on metal tabs. Each plaque announces a humorous non-event.
“Benjy, the first hamster to fly solo around the world, took off from this spot in April 1937.”
“This bench marks the spot of the first confirmed UFO landing in Calgary, 1963.”
“Nothing of note happened here – or at least that is what they want you to believe.” [See other three plaques in photo.]
In the morning, City workers follow standard policy and quickly remove the plaques. But enough people have already seen them to raise a hue and cry on social media.
Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, on his morning treadmill run, receives a call that brings him quickly to City Hall. Within a few hours, the plaques are returned to the park benches.
In the days following, more Calgarians go for walks in the park and many return home with a smile on their face. City Hall decides the plaques are “officially hilarious.”
The next day, CBC’s As It Happens radio hosts ask the mayor why the plaques were returned. He says, “2020 has been a tough year for all of us and we all need a bit of whimsy in our world right now.” More timely words were never spoken.
Whimsy.
“The practice of doing something imaginative, spontaneous, or lightly illogical, driven by a desire for delight rather than strict reason or utility.”
A whimsical person is playful, imaginative, willing to follow sudden, fanciful impulses rather than rigid logic. These are the people or moments that bring a delightful, childlike sense of wonder to daily life. They enjoy turning the mundane of everyday living into fun, creative experiences.
No whimsy in me.
I don’t know what thoughts you have about yourself right now. But I know that being a person of spontaneity is not my default disposition. There is zero chance that anyone in my life circle would describe me as whimsical.
And, for the most part, I am quite happy to be viewed that way. My life has largely been encased in the logic of “what makes sense” from choices right now. Certainly not what spontaneous impulse do I feel like following in the moment.
I’m not suggesting that all my big decisions of life have been based on thorough processing of extensive data and genuine consultation with key stakeholders. No, I have my share of “wish I had done different.” But my default mechanism for small, as well as larger issues, is “what makes sense” to me given what I know at the time. Not a spontaneous whimsy.
But I want some whimsy.
I like myself (most of the time) the way that I am. But I am not content with being just as I am. I want some whimsy in my life. And I have found a few outlets that work for me. One is quite longstanding, the other more recent.
Pleasure-Way and me.
For years (and years), I have talked about the potential joy of crossing Canada in a Pleasure-Way recreational vehicle. This is a number one luxury Class B motorhome and is manufactured in Saskatoon. Only 19 to 22 feet in length, models are packed with superb craftsmanship and the finest technology. [I feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs right now just thinking about it].
And yes, I have toured the plant since I live in Saskatoon. And yes, just a few weeks ago, I impulsively stopped in to pick up the newest brochures. Whimsy or fantasy. Not sure what is the difference.
Family and friends may be tired of me sharing this whimsical fantasy. Every time I mention it, I can feel their eyes spontaneously rolling in sockets, and hear them muttering, “Get one already or stop talking about it.”
Yes, I have a genuine longing for the freedom RV lifestyle. To be self-contained. To stop for coffee at beautiful spots where there is no coffee shop. Who needs a coffee shop when I am driving one! The list goes on and on. I can feel the joy even as I write.
But do I lose sleep over this unfulfilled desire? No. Not at all. It is whimsical. A flight of imagination that releases positive vibes in my head and spirit. I am lifted up for a few moments to float transcendentally over the present details of life. Then I come down again with a renewed sense of joy and gratitude for my life and for everything and everyone in it.
Even without a Pleasure-Way sitting in the driveway (if we had a driveway – we live in a condo).
Dancing in the morning.
I take a risk sharing my second, more recent, whimsical behaviour. Here’s hoping it doesn’t mess up your pristine view of me. [I guess it really doesn’t matter if it does]. Working on the computer in the morning, earphones on, listening to my favourite pianist (Richard Clayderman), I spontaneously get up to dance all by myself.
There, I said it out loud.
Not the wild gyrations of disco ball night clubs. Just move with the music. Even close my eyes (safely between pieces of furniture) and let the music take me away on a magic carpet of spirit-freedom. It is quite liberating – oops – I must stop as I am working on a separate piece, I dance in the morning, that is forthcoming.
So, whimsy has a valuable, albeit rather limited, role in my life. And hopefully in yours as well.
A whimsical suggestion.
The next time it rains but isn’t too cold, put on whatever slicker gear you have, with or without umbrella, and head outdoors. Just walk in the rain and relish the experience. Even tilt your head to the sky to feel the drops falling.
You will quickly forget whatever it was you were so diligently working on or were trying to figure out inside your head. Each drop of rain is like a cleansing touch of refreshment and renewal.
So, to all who are somewhat like me – go for it! Let the whimsy flow. Even if only on limited occasions and in somewhat contained measure.
It will be worth it. You won’t regret it. The people in your life will love you for it.