In the book "A Course in Freedom: The Drunken Monkey Speaks" by Lawrence Lanoff, the concept of the "four buckets of mythology" is introduced. I now refer to these as the four games we play in human existence. These games serve as a framework for understanding the different paradigms through which we perceive and interact with the world.
Game One: Duality
This is the game of "this or that." As soon as we label something, its opposite is implied. Understanding and recognizing when we are playing this game allows us to choose our reactions and perceptions more consciously.
Game Two: Morality
When we play Game One in the boxes of "right" and "wrong," we introduce morality. This game dictates that there is a correct way to do things and deviations are punished. Morality introduces judgments of right and wrong, often leading to shame and guilt. Recognizing when we are in this game can help us question the validity of these moral judgments.
Game Three: Oneness
The game of oneness encompasses the idea that everything is interconnected. While oneness can foster a sense of unity and peace, it can also be misapplied to dismiss real human experiences and emotions. Awareness of this game allows us to appreciate interconnectedness without losing touch with individual experiences.
Game Four: Perceived Objectivity
This game is about the belief in objective truths, often represented by scientific consensus. What is considered a fact today may be revised tomorrow. Recognizing the provisional nature of scientific knowledge can help us remain open-minded and adaptable.
Practical Applications and Empowerment
The essence of this framework lies in becoming aware of the games we are playing at any given moment. This awareness empowers us to consciously choose how we want to create our experiences. For example, if you recognize that you are playing the game of anger (Game One), you can question whether this is what you want to create and shift towards a more desired state. When we experience anger and don't want to, we often categorize anger as "bad"—we're moralizing our emotions. The more we become aware of being in Game Two, the more we can stop moralizing our humanity and start creating conscious games.
Awareness is the key to empowerment. By understanding which game we are engaged in, we can take responsibility for our emotional states and actions. When we step into anger with awareness, choosing our words and actions from a place of self-love, anger can serve us as a tool for self-advocacy.
The Four Games provide a powerful lens through which to understand and navigate our experiences. By becoming aware of these games, we can consciously choose how we want to engage with the world, leading to greater personal empowerment and a more intentional life.