We are spending five weeks exploring Fabric’s five core values. These aren’t the core values we would like, but what has been at work all along when we were at our best. This one is “Whimsify!”

February 6 - At the Core: Whimsify! Seriously, you take yourself too seriously. You are so smart, skilled, and competent that you get in your own way. It’s time to forget your best, most efficient, smart self and do a little puddle gazing, play a game of marbles, daydream or… just anything. Creativity is born of rest and play more often than hard work and focus. That’s why Fabric has whimsify at its core. And yes, we know it’s not really a word. Maybe you could use a little too.

Listen to the podcast

“Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Cat’s go.
Cat’s go who?
No silly, that’s owls. Cat’s go Meow!”
If you are wondering why this podcast starts with a Knock, knock joke, read on!

“Whimsify” may not be in the dictionary, but that’s okay. It’s telling us to color outside the lines.

If you are new to this conversation and want to learn more about CORE VALUES, listen to the first seven minutes of the Jan 14 podcast on “Choose Connection.” LINK

Why whimsy? Afterall, whimsy doesn’t get anything done. It’s an indulgence! Or so they say! We have been talking about the serious and important Core Values of “Choose Connection,” “Brave Uncertainty,” and “Think BIG” these past weeks, they need to be countered with something that isn’t quite so serious. And think about the news! We need to bring some lightness to its heaviness, not to ignore it, but to lighten it so we can bear it.

Whimsify means to apply whimsy to what you do and who you are. More specifically, when the Fabric staff thinks about weaving it into what we do as a community it includes things like:

Spark Wonder – Forget what you do know, to make space for what you don’t know.
Meander – Is a straight line always the best route between two points?
Delight – Getting lost in the moment of experience so you drink in its intangibles as well as it’s tangibles.

These, along with fun, laughter, humor, play, rest and more at not LUXURIES, even though they may not be getting the work done.

The creation story in the first chapter of the book of Genesis in the Bible says there was 6 days of doing, and then a day of REST. A sabbath. Why do we feel we must always keep working when even the God we are said to be in the image of models a rhythm of rest, appreciation, maybe even whimsy.

Question: Why is fun so… FUN? Is it evolution saying that it isn’t an extra endangering us, but a plus helping us?

Hear what dozens of people said they did to Whimsify. What brought them joy, rest, rejuvenation. What helped them be their true selves. You can listen to many of them on the podcast or go to this entry on Facebook.

Whimsify-ing isn’t just fun, it’s good for you. (Check out the Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast with author Catherine Price of “The Power of Fun.”)

Jesus may not have been a comedian, but if you read between the lines, you can find what looks like a sense of humor.

Paying the Temple Tax – Matthew 17-24-27
The woman caught in adultery – John 8.1-11

The Dilemma of Productivity and Whimsy

“Taking My Time” by Chris Tripolino

Your ‘Whimsify!’ Homework – or how to build guilt-free whimsifying into your life.

Choose to Value Whimsify-ing
Identify ‘What lights your fire?’ Make it tangible with a picture board, collage or photo album.
Schedule it. Set time aside for…
- Moments
- Hours
- Days
- Weeks
- Involve others in it. Sharing your passion for what brings you joy and refreshes you makes it even better. And remember you are model for others!