Chapter 2

The Human Game

It is quite difficult  to resist the shiny lures of temptation

Which,are  cast into our waters,

  Tempting us like hungry  fish when something catches our eye.

We are surrounded by the carnival of life

With all its marvelous attractions,  games, and  sideshows.

Each with its own caller to  tempt us in.

"Hurry, hurry! Step right up! Come play! Come play!”.

The Human Game

     Hopefully you have read Chapter 1, "Into The Mind" before reading this chapter. If not you will be missing some important material that is referenced here. My suggestion is that you first go to Chapter 1 and read it. It is quite short, but bull of lots of thought that has to do with the rest of the material to be covered.

Up til now,  I have merely referenced the human game from a distance;  circling  the outskirts, but never coming at  it from straight ahead and actually defining what it is. So let us do that now. For our purposes, and for the sake of simplicity, let us just associate the Human Game with "The Game of Life".  As we all are pretty much familiar with that term.  

that sayingMore technically we can define The Human Game, as it relates to us individually, as the total of all activities in which we choose to engage from the moment we are born until we die.

     Apparently, the object of the Human Game is to create a character from our own imagination,  then actually become that character in life. Once our character has been created, that becomes who we are. We then create our own reality based on our own beliefs and perceptions according to our experiences, and programming. Then wallah! Our game begins.

     What you do in your game depends on you. You are limited only by your own imagination, and ability to make it happen. Otherwise, the choice is yours.  Anything goes; anything at all. It's your game; you are the creator. With one caveat of course, what you choose to do has consequences and has direct influence over the outcome of what happens in your life.

     It is, of course, all an illusion. A trip through Wonderland if you will, created by our minds. The only thing 'real' is that we exist physically. Even that can be questioned. After all, aren't we by science nothing more than pure energy in the form of atoms and molecules controlled by subconcsious thought? So back we go, full circle to the empty house. Hurry, hurry; step right up, the game is about to begin. Someone is moving in.

     The attraction to the game is its ability to simulate reality. To completely interface with the mind and create  such a believeable reality, that it is quite common for someone to enter the game at birth, and stay in it for a lifetime. Never even having a clue they were in the game to begin with. To them, it is just life. The world in which they exist, their game running on auto play.

A Human Game

     Simply stated, A human 'Game' for all intents and purposes is any activity in which we choose to engage or participate. Meaning basically that The Human Game is the sum of all our individual life games played from birth to death, while A Human Game is one of the countless individual games we play throughout our lives. Just as a football game is the sum of all the plays made from beginning to end, with each individual playing their own game  actions and plays that make up the whole.  

     That which we mentally attach to, and place an emotional attachment to its outcome. Since we constantly attach ourselves to things throughout our lives in which we, by choice, engage or participate in; it is needless to say we play many, many games from birth to death.

     The Human Game, obviously, begins at birth.  Even before the glow of innocence has faded, believers and followers of one game or another  begin planting  their seeds  of influence deep into the soils of our unsuspecting minds; brainwashing us with gardens of ideologies, religions, cultures, or some  other assorted  practice in which they participate. There is no way for us to know that we are in actuality, being deluged with generations of beliefs and ideologies from those who were deluged before us by the same process.

     Of course, to all but an extremely rare few, we don't see 'games'; we see life. We are born, do what we do, then die. Tick tock, tick tock. To us, this is reality. To us, anything that happens in life is real. We don't separate ourselves from it and view it as a movie or a play; or that we are merely characters we have created for our game. We don't see life it as nothing more than one experience after another, observed and experienced from inside our minds. Why? Because we attach our minds to it. We become it. We are our character; not just an actor on the stage, or a player in a game.  

     This is not to say that playing in The Human Game is a bad thing. The game is meant to be played. Delving into a deep emotional experience, or engaging in an exciting adventure is what life is all about. The greater the experience, the more we enjoy our lives. Then again, it doesn't have to be something exciting in order to be an enjoyable experience. Some people absolutely enjoy just the whole idea of life is about the experience. As long as we can  remain consciously aware that it is only a game and not get lost in it, and being able to let go at any time, gives us great power over life. We must always keep in mind that our purpose here in life is to learn so we can evolve, while mental and physical experiences.

     The problem is, that it is so easy to  lose control.  Before we know it our emotional energies  have overpowered us. Our passions for ideologies have turned to obsession. Or our characters have become  so  real to us that we have forgetten  who we really are.  Like an addiction, we may think we are still in control, but every moment in the game draws us in a little deeper.  Our minds subtly slipping  away bits and peices at a time,  only to be  replaced with interfaced 'realities'  of the game.  Until finally, we  become nothing more than marionetted puppets, pulled by the strings of  our own insanities.

Our Characters

     If you ever ask somebody what they do they will probably tell you "I am a doctor", or "I am a mechanic", or "I am a teacher", etc. Depending on whatever they may 'be'. Only you didn't ask them what they are, you asked them what they do. Yet, that which they do, in their minds defines who they 'are'.  When in reality, it is merely the character they have become in the game.

     There is a reason we  become so deeply connected to our characters.  Well, actually two reasons. The first reason is: To most the game is  just the way life is.  They are who they are because  it has been the way it is  since they were born. It is their reality. It is all they have ever known. So instead of living as a free thinking character experiencing physical life with thought and conscience choice; they live out their lives as the affects of their beliefs and perceptions, reacting automatically to their experiences without realizing they have a choice on how they can react.

     The second reason is: In order for our character to be 'successful'  in whatever game we have chosen to play, we must place an attachment to the outcome of that game. Our character must succeed. Our egos demand it. Depending on how strong our desire is to achieve our outcome, we energize our character with emotions and emerse ourselves deeper and deeper into the game. The deeper we emerse our characters into a game, the more in our minds we are that character. All the while the game itself becomes more and more obscure; fading from a game into 'reality'. Wallah! Back into life we go, fully enveloped in the character we created thinking the game is real.

Perception is Reality

     When we talk of reality, what we are referring to is  that which is percieved to be real. If we believe something to be real, then to our mind it is real. The  stronger our belief in it, the more real to us  it becomes. Whether or not the reality has any basis in fact is of no consequence. Even if that  reality happens to be  travelling down the highway of insanity, if we believe it to be so, it is.

     Part of the problem with 'reality' is that it gets created  so early in our lives.  It doesn't take long for us to  assimilate into whatever random scenario we happen to be land.  Having no reason  not to, we 'become'  whatever race  we  are born into. Proud and faithful  of our race or heritage; even though race or heritage  has nothing to do with who we really are. We could have landed anywhere,  into any culture, giving us a completely different ethnic identity. Which, of course, we  would  have just as quickly  adopted as our own.

     Another 'reality' we buy into is religion. We become "Catholics", or "Buddhists", or "Christians", or "Mormons", or "Jews", or "Muslims", or "Hindu's", or whatever religion happens to be there to catch our fancy.  Throughout  history humans have fallen deeply into their roles  of this game. The  depths to which humans allow their passions over their religions to run,  become  so strong that  time after time  humans have not only  killed, but still  continue  to kill  other humans  because of it.  Feeling totally justified in doing so because  in their minds they truly think it is the right thing to do.  Even  when it is not taken to such extremes, there are multitudes who  become so  completely obsessed with the game,  that they can think of nothing else.

     There are many 'realities' in life. Not just ethnicity or religion, those are just a couple of obvious examples.  We are constantly filling our  lives with  'needs' and attachments. We repeatedly pledge allegiance to our flags, create loyalties, or are willing to fight fiercely to protect what is 'ours'.  All because of   beliefs and ideologies  that are  nothing more than  some 'reality'  that we have chosen to go into agreement with. Existing only because we give them power and energy. Even if we are not consciously aware  of doing so.  All the while, truly believing  within our minds that it is real.

Uniforms of the Game

     It would, to say the least, be remiss to ignore the most obvious symbolism of the game there is. Or at least not to give it a decent honorable mention.  Besides,  it can actually  get quite comical  as  the clarity of it all settles in. Thereby making  the game  easier and easier  to spot. Especially for the unexperienced. I am talking, of course, about the uniforms of the game.

     Humans love their uniforms. Look around,  they are everywhere. We are surrounded by them. Uniforms not  only  identify us as players,  but can generally identify  the game we are playing and possibly even  where the game is from.  Besides the identification factor, uniforms also give us a sense of belonging. Once we don  a uniform, it puts our heads in the game, so to speak. Quite often creating a complete change of character within us as we instantly 'become' whatever character that uniform represents. Especially if the uniform, or item on the uniform identifies them as having 'rank' in the game.

     Uniforms come in many catagories. The  most  familiar being  organized team sports uniforms.  The purpose is to make the team   look 'uniform'. Or all the same. But uniformity extends far beyond  the just the realm of sports,  and into many other areas of the gaming world. The workplace is notorious for uniforms. We probably have all seen the UPS delivery person in their 'brown' uniforms. Or can picture what a nurse or surgeon looks like. Even if the uniform is not identifiable, it may still be a uniform. Such as the suit and tie, or a dress code that requires hair to be or not be a certain way. Then there are the police, firemen, and military uniforms. The list can get quite extensive.

     Uniforms can also be that which identifies us as being in certain types of groups.  For example, you can often spot a Hindu woman by the dot on her forehead, or a Jewish man by the little cap on the top of the back part of his head. Don't monks wear brown robes? How about the Irish or Scottish with their kilts. Arabs with their heads wrapped in 'towels'. We have all probably (or most of us) been in cap and gowns  during our  graduations.  Has anyone noticed when they pass the  cyclist on the road,  thier bright colored spandex outfits? How many people wear cowboy hats, or have teardrops tattoo'd under their eye when they have been in prison?

     Lastly, when thinking about uniforms, fashions can also be "uniforms".   In the late 50's black leather jackets depicted a certain rebelous personality. A certain 'cool'.  In the  60's there was tye dye shirts and long hair. Not to mention the love beads that  were quite fashionable if you were in the 'Hippie' game.  The 70's brought silk disco shirts and bell bottoms. Not only that, but  uniforms don't have to necessarily be clothes. Remember the  valley girls in the 80's  who not only basically; dressed the same but had their own language.  "Like, you know." It was still English but had their own meanings to words.  Then again, surfers have a different language altogether.  Which quite often only they understood.

     The point is, uniforms are a part of our life. Because the Human Game is a part of our life. We accept it and play it as a second nature. Often without even thinking about it. It is not only quite possible, but probably  even as this is being read, it is  being read by someone in some sort of a uniform. So look around, try to identify uniforms if you can, then enjoy the humor as you gain  knowledge of the different uniforms and games we are surrounded by.

Character Roles

      The deeper we are able to understand the game, the clearer we are able to see it.  What began as a simple concept, us being a character in our human game; moves farther into the complex. Sitting in our imaginary chair we can easily picture in our mind other humans playing their games. We can picture a server character in a restaurant, or a bum on the street. We can see the bus driver, the cop, or the surgeon in the hospital.

     Where complexity enters the scene is that humans are usually playing more than one game at a time. In one of their games they may 'be' a teacher, while at the same time they may 'be' a spouse in the love relationship game. They may also 'be' deeply religious in their religion game, as they are on the phone with their friend playing the gossip game.  

     In the human game there are liars, cheaters,  thieves, murderers, adulterers, addicts, and the obsessed. Just as there are saints, hero's, honest, talented, fun loving, and really good hearted players too. Some may be a little of both. Takers try to take advantage of the givers. Who in turn often enable takers by giving too much.  The stronger  run over  the  weaker until the weaker become stronger. The good try to help the bad, while the bad try to screw the good.

     In the game of love,  humans will  lay their hearts  out to its fullest extent, in search of that ulitimate relationship. The one that seems to fit just perfectly, creating  a fullfillment of one of humans deepest emotions. When it goes good, it can be an incredible emotional experience. But when it goes bad, the passion of the emotion  can get ugly real fast. Insanity can set in so rapidly that  before a rational thought can be given, someone may  suddenly die. Including ones own  self. Too many murders and suicides  can be  credited to the game of love.

     Attachment to material objects is a very popular game among humans, with many roles to play in it. Especially in the money game category. Sometime in this game we play the role of the earner, the spender, the saver, the donator, the guard of it, the stealer of it, or the finder of the stealer of it.

      Of course, material objects don't have to be 'valuable'. Because humans will attach to all kinds of material objects. Cars are stolen every day. What about the 5 year olds who get into a fight over a toy that one has and the other wants.  Attachments to a material objects can be on something that was given to them by someone, or maybe something they happened to find. But the depth to which some folks attach to their material object can be so strong they can percieve their lives over if they lose it. Or will kill to protect it or revenge someone who took it.

Positioning

     The last   'role' I would like to touch on is positioning. What I mean by positioning is where we place our characters in the mix. For example,  most of us would probably prefer to 'be' the boss, rather than the worker. Some want to be the boss because they like the 'power'  they hold over others in the same game. While others may just like the status, making them feel important.

     Another positioning role would be someone who may just like to be worshipped. To be thought of as the best. Revered for what they can do. Praised constantly for how smart they are, or how many sales they can make.  People want to know who is the fastest runner, the best dancer, or who can score the most touchdowns. After all, the ego must be fed.

     Positions are not always about power and winning. Sometimes it's about being the victim. Hanging on to something that happened in the past, or is going on in the present, which gives us a sense of hopelessness or pity  for our own selves. Supplying us with an excuse to fail, or justification for doing or not doing something.

     Some position themselves for attention. Enjoying being popular, or liked by many people. Movie actors, famous people, the class clown, or just someone who constantly talks about themselves because the world revolves around them, are a few examples of the attention seekers.

Human Game Summary

     Understanding of  the Human Game can be a double edged sword. On one hand the  comedy  of watching the players everywhere around us, and recognizing the sillyness of it all can be quite comical. Regularily  bringing  a smile to the face, or a shake of the head because of the unbelieveable absurdity, ignorance, or insanity involved.

     On the other hand, it's knowledge can be a curse. Having a clear understanding of why people do the things they do, while they do not, can be quite frustrating.  What you can see clearly as a game, or role in a game, others may be seeing it as 'reality'. Try as you will to explain to someone that they can calm down, or be happy rather than sad, because it is all in their head to begin with; is almost always an exercise in futility. So there you are having to tolerate it because you get it, and they don't. Yup, it can be quite a curse.

     Yet,  the significance of it all does not lay among  these incidental ignorances. For they are minor in comparison  to the  whole. In a world where we are just here to experience physical life, our 'realities' continuously destroy each other with much hate and violence.  When we are the same in purpose of life, we separate each other by race or culture, when there is no actual race or culture. Only the illusions of them in a game. We  kill over Gods we  can only believe  actually exist.  While every day new weapons are being developed to kill with.

     Even  on the  individual level, our need to attach to things drives us to insanity. We attach to other humans, 'needing' them in our lives; often becoming extremely  depressed if they die, go away, or reject us. Even killing ourselves because of a lost love. We attach ourselves to material things, such as money or lifestyles. Our attachment to our ego's constantly drive us straight into  stupidity.  Pride goething  before our falls.

     In the end, what it all boils down to, is ignorance. We are a species which thrives on insanity, and have no apparent desire to change it. What could have easily been the Garden of Eden, has turned into more like Soddom and Gamora. A society totally out of control, with no idea it even is.

     So where do we go from here? How do we break out of our comfort zone of the game,   becoming   not robots to our enviornments, but  individuals on a quest for  physical experiences and spiritual growth? How do we break the chain of ignorance to which we are bound, keeping us from our true selves? But most importantly, how do we get out of the game? Better yet, realize that it is only a game. That we have control of our lives. That we can control our emotions and how we react to experiences. We don't have to be angry, or depressed, or a lifelong victim. We have choice. It is as simple as making a decision, because it all exists in our minds. It is an illusion. Let go of our attachment to the game and wallah!

     It is time to change the game. It is time to become the seed that seeks its own path. To do so, we must find our own selves. Each of us  must realize  that we are the creators of our own universe and build upon our own power within.  We must no longer doubt our own  worth,  our own value, because we alone created it. It exists only in our own minds.

     We must strengthen ourselves in the knowledge that we are the most important thing in our life. That we are our own best friend, and we love ourselves more than anything else. And we must know, without the slightest hesitation, that life is awesome. If it's not, its because of our choice for it not to be.

     Loving and making ones self the most important thing in their life is not  about  being arrogant or going on an ego trip. Nor is it about being selfish or self serving. Loving ones self  is about realizing that  no matter what happens in life, we always have our selves. That every day of our life, begins with us in it, and ends with us in it. And when we look in the mirror,  we should tell the person looking back at us that we love them. And mean it.

     It is the first step. Without  having full and complete affinity for ourselves,  it is impossible  for us to develop into the  spiritual  beings we  are  meant to be.  Just as without love and appreciation for  life, we can never fully receive the  intended  benefit of our  physical existence.  And without both of these things,  we can never be truly free.