Day 18: מִעוּט שְׂחוֹק / Minimizing frivolity
Like other distractions from a life of study and personal growth, the rabbis are weary of frivolous behavior. In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Akiva says, "Merriment and frivolity accustom one to sexual promiscuity" (Pirkei Avot 3:13).
More to come on sexuality in a few days.. but the point here is a warning against distraction. Not only does frivolity itself detract from time spent in serious learning and reflection, but it also risks snowballing into patterns of increased diversion.
Like everything else from the last few days about "minimizing" certain behaviors, frivolity too can be better understood through the framework of balance and restraint. Distractions provide much needed relief that save us from burning out in lives of preoccupation with serious matters. It takes self control and focus to avoid letting those distractions becoming too frequent and harder to resist.
Reflection:
What types of frivolity do you allow into your life? How much of it feels regenerative, and how much ultimately feels more like distraction?
How do you differentiate the fine line between healthy and purely frivolous distraction?
Lived practice:
Set limits. Think of the amount of time you deserve/need as distraction throughout your day. For one day, really think about how well you integrate healthy distraction into your life, and where you feel yourself slipping away. Especially as our lives lack structure in isolation, you might find this exercise surprisingly helpful.
