Pema: Some Reflections on Playing as Being

   During the PaB `urban retreat' in San Francisco, April 2010,
   one of the topics that came up was the question of how exactly
   we "play as Being"; what is it that we do in RL, when we take
   our frequent short breaks, and what is it that we do while we
   are logged into SL and meet each other there?

   For me, the retreat was a kind of wake-up call.  Even though
   I have been involved deeply into the whole notion of playing
   as Being, to my own surprise I came to see the enormity of the
   whole notion, as if for the first time.  Isn't it amazing how we
   sometimes can stop to watch a flower, or a close friend, or even
   an idea, in what feels like a completely fresh way?

   I felt more deeply how utterly radical it is to set aside the game
   of playing myself.  Our whole society is geared toward fitting into
   the roles that we are supposed to play, and each moment we are part
   of a web of expectations.  Somehow it hit me how much I still see
   myself as defined through those expectations, and how much more I
   can let go of all that.

   And the paradox is: the more I refused to let myself be defined
   by that web of expectations, the more I could actually play along
   better and be a better friend for my friends, colleague for my
   colleagues, family member for my family.  Playing as Being playing
   me in my current role felt so much more relaxed and open than just
   me playing me with all my little anxieties and concerns.

   This kind of increased openness and relaxation has carried on into
   the PaB sessions that I have attended this last week, following the
   retreat.  More than before, I'm trying to avoid any multitasking,
   and just be there, in the pavilion, with my PaB friends.  Even if
   no one writes anything for a few minutes, I don't go into my email
   or other little chores, no matter how urgent they may seem.  I may
   watch my breath and my posture, or I may look up and enjoy the feel
   of the room in which I'm sitting, sensing the integration of my RL
   presence in front of the keyboard while also being present in SL.

   I've always tried to be present that way, especially when PaB was
   still this brand new exploration, two years ago, but I realize how
   easy it is to fall into a pattern, and to let that freshness slip.
   The RL retreat has been a very welcome reminder to me to return to
   a beginner's mind, a kind of PaB newbie mind.