Daily Ramble 45 - LUCKISM® AND THE PLAGUE

May 4, 2020

LUCKISM® AND THE PLAGUE

Presently, in a time of plague, we are experiencing, personally and directly, the effect on our lives when an essential element of life is almost completely reduced to nothing. What is that element in its irreducible essence? It is the chance, the uncertainty, the unpredictability that comes from proximity to, and real interaction with, other living things and with active forces of nature. On the surface we can say, "We miss the hug, the pat on the back, the handshake, et al." However, if you drill down to the core of what all these things have in common, it is the natural, energetic unpredictability they contain, along the whole spectrum of reality from the macro/physical to the sub-atomic (in actions and material.)

Normally, in a healthy world and society, the fundamental energy that underlies existence is absorbed and exchanged by creatures in direct interaction with natural resources and other living things. Even the smallest interactions, such as handing money to a cashier or standing with others at a bus stop, or leaning on a tree, provides this important component of life. A fortiori, full-blown interactions of a social or physical nature are the most beneficial. When those interactions are stopped we are close to a living death. Half alive and half dead. How far away are we then from being bodies maintained by mechanical life support systems, wired to receive communication and entertainment?  We are closer to being inanimate (or shall we say spiritless?), not just because our organisms may succumb to a virus, but because the avoidance of the virus is preventing us from living life as it must be lived in order for it to be called "life."

LUCKISM®, whether you call it a religion, a philosophy or a way of life, gives reverence to the element of chance and unpredictability which attaches to all matter and all action. This is the deficiency being felt by Homo sapiens in the time of plague. This is why, no matter how many virtual, electronic methods are found to supply our needs, we sense an enormous vacancy in our lives. Before the plague, this vacancy was only partial, the sense of unhealthiness was masked by feelings of novelty and diversions of entertainment. But now, we feel how thin the veneer of indirect experience is.

In the short term, those who agree with this analysis of the core problem may benefit from playing games which involve chance by themselves or with others with whom they are safely confined. This can range from coin-tossing, to cards, craps and roulette, if you have the equipment. Also Scrabble-like word games. But not games in which skill and experience are paramount. Games with a generous component of "luck" will provide some of the chancy energy which is missing.

Any contact with nature, no matter how small, is beneficial, even pouring water back and forth between two glasses. Let the scoffers laugh. Water is the chanciest substance, even in a glass. Standing by an open window and feeling the wind is good. The chance, my friend, is blowin' in the wind. Of course, houseplants and pets are desirable, including fish and turtles.

Needless to say, open-ended conversations and interactions with other people should be sought out, within the prescribed limits of safety.

The plague arose by chance and matters will proceed in accordance with chance and the efforts made by Homo sapiens.  Social distancing seems to be in the cards, in some form or other, for the foreseeable future. This makes sacralizing what is left of natural chance in our lives more important than ever.

Luck you!

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