Being A Verb

One of the special books that I've read, was a small work by Buckminster Fuller entitled "I Seem To Be A Verb". It was filled with a variety of bits of wisdom. Yet, the title reflected a theme that has become a significant part of my life and my work. It has continued to inspire me and invited me to encourage others to realize and practice life as a journey and a process. A journey which offers a clear choice of being an active participant or a mere spectator.

I have found that strategically focusing the way we use language to talk about ourselves both internally and externally is clearly the way we participate in the creation of reality. Spiritually, this is the choice between living consciously or "just going through the motions". There is a distinction between imaging ourselves as nouns or as verbs. Nouns come to us in the form of titles and labels which often reflect the surface impressions of how others see us and reinforce social stereotypes. Verbs offer us an active description of how we are actually living. Nouns are like snapshot which often represent a singular point of view. Verbs are more like video tape which offer us insight into the patterns and process of our life.

Nouns represent a static state of being which we must maintain. Verbs offer us an ever changing ebb and flow of our actions and choices. In the process of growth and transformation verbs empower us to dynamically mold ourselves into the dreams we want to make come true. As verbs, we are literally the expression of action. I feel this action is the most vital revelation of our values and true spirit.

There are many ways in which we can choose to focus our lives. The very quality of our life experiences can be determined by our choice to live life in the first person. These may involve major life aspects like choice of career or relationship. Or, much like a recipe for a good stew, the flavor of life may lie in a simple ingredient which draws out it's richness.

Here are some simple ideas for conjugating ourselves as verbs.

Describe yourself to others by your qualities and values rather than your job title.

Sing to yourself or friends rather than listening to recorded music.

Play with a toy you enjoyed as a child. (leggos, playdough, and crayolas are a great start.)

Teach a child how to tell a funny joke. Let them teach you how to be laughter.

Learn a new recipe and share the results with a friend.

Worship with others of a different faith and explore what you have in common.

Create a work of art (paint, photograph, dance) just for the pleasure of it.

Attempt something which you frequently have told people "you are no good at".

Someone once reminded me that it is best to remember that a "human being" is a verb. Enjoy and be.