Why I Love Ted Lasso

And other tales of holy fools

This week a good friend sent me a link to a NYT opinion piece by Tish Harrison Warren about the TV Series Ted Lasso. I have to say, I have been utterly charmed by the series since I first started watching. If you haven’t been watching the program, the story begins when an American football coach from Kansas (Ted Lasso) and his assistant (coach Beard) are invited to come to Manchester England and coach a soccer team. You find out in the first few minutes that Ted knows almost nothing about soccer, and the owner of the team (for personal reasons) has hired him because she thinks he will run the team into the ground. At first Ted seems over the top folksy and very naive, but before long we begin to sense that Ted has much more to offer than expertise as a soccer coach. He operates in the world with genuine sincerity, a kind of quirky dad humor and is consistently, unguardedly kind. People immediately underestimate him. I mean how can you be an effective leader in a dog-eat-dog world when your super power is believing in the inherent goodness possible in humanity? But it is a super power, and in the course of the program you see how in large and small ways, his acts of daily decency change those around him. Ted is not a perfect character, he is incredibly human and I love that the show has brought mental health and mental health care into mainstream conversation. I love that the show continues to show that sometimes stepping away from the rules and conventions of a culture may look odd to others, can even be lonely at times, but also shine a light on where those rules or conventions are not life-giving or actually all that good for us.

I mentioned this series because I believe that in these challenging times we all need stories that describe human decency, grace and humor. The world is so full of messages to be afraid and act according to that fear, messages that encourage us to mow down or be mowed over.  We need to be reminded that every single day we meet and encounter people of good heart and intention. We need to remember that kindness is not just human size and doable, but actually world changing.   I think we need to encounter (or remember and embrace) stories of those who have bravely stood counter to the rules of the culture, when those rules needed to be changed or challenged. I think we need to hear stories of how the echoes of a life lived with good intention and simple decency can resonate far beyond what that person may ever know.

A Holy Fool is defined as a form of asceticism that has been practiced within the Russian Orthodox church for centuries. Its practitioners engage in exhibiting unusual or even foolish behavior (in relation to the cultural norms of the society), in order to provide the community with spiritual guidance. When I think of the most wise and holy people I’ve ever known, one of the things they pretty much share is a highly developed sense of humor. I know by nature I can lean into being a pretty serious poet-type. Over the years, I’ve come to so appreciate how much humor and finding delight even in small things consistently shifts my experience. I have loved encountering just how funny we are as human beings. We humans are so incredibly beautiful, sometimes disappointing, utterly inspiring, totally bewildering, exceedingly clever, often foolish…. but oh, we are so so very funny. Being able to find a good hearted sense of humor in my own complicated humanity has been salvific in so many ways. I am grateful for those holy folks in my life that remind me to laugh, to look kindly at the world whenever possible. I’m grateful for their encouragement keep showing up as my authentic self, and trust my hearts deep knowing, even when it might mean I am out of step with my culture’s idea of conventional wisdom.

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Question

What do you think about the concept of a “holy fool”? Do you have a story that inspires you of someone who stood up or went against the conventional norms of the day?

Photo by Colin + Meg on Unsplash

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Check Substack’s new offering “Notes”.

The things posted there don’t go out in the newsletter-Its a bit like twitter or a facebook feed….ok without all the baggage.

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Be Back Stage For The New Album Recording!

I’ll be heading into the studio to record my new album on May 22, 2023! I’m so so so SO excited about this project. I’ll be joined by some of my favorite musicians to work with in the studio…Gary Walters, Jordan Tice, Paul Kowert, Jim Brock and new folks like Brittany Haas and Pat Otto that I’m sure you will love hearing on the next recording. For those who are Supporting Subscribers, I’ll be posting sneak peeks at new songs, the recording process, photos and interviews with the players! If you ever thought it would be fun to be part of a recording session, or just see how it looks and feels when an artist is creating a new work, I hope you’ll join our Supporting Subscribers!

Do you know someone who might like these posts and our conversations at A Gathering of Spirits? You can give the gift of a subscription or group subscription. It supports the work I’m doing, and shares the conversation and topics with those you love.!

A group subscriptions get a nice 20% discount…just sayin’ Im so midwestern :-)

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Tour Dates Before I Head Into The Studio

I’m looking forward to several fun shows in May!

May 11th - Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis.

So great to be back in my home region and I’m looking forward to a wonderful show. There will be three choral pieces performed created by our own amazing Gary Walters, and directed by Michelle Louer I hope you’ll join us.

Here’s the 2nd Pres Direct Link for Tickets

May 20 - The Ark Ann Arbor MI

I love performing at the Ark, one of the most respected acoustic music venues in the country. I’ll be performing with Gary Walters and my friend Mike Green will be opening the show! Get your tickets early!

Here’s the Ark Direct Link for Tickets

May 21 - The Old Town School of Folk Music

The Old Town School is legendary! A beautiful musical space and it is always such a treasure to perform shows there. I often sell out this venue, so get your tickets soon!

Here’s the OTS Direct Link for Tickets

Also I’ll be performing with Gary Walters for For ticket information visit www.carrienewcomer.com/tour

On Inch Photos

Indiana Trout Lily :-)