Ikigai Thought for Today: Always Flexible
Ikigai lessons from an unlikely source
Audio narration by David Marlow
There is a lighter side to the Marine Corps that is often overlooked. Given the nature of their work, Marines become well-versed in Gallows or Dark humor.
Antonin Obrdlik wrote gallows humor “…has the social effect of strengthening the morale of the oppressed and undermines the morale of the oppressors.”1
The ‘oppressor’ can be many things: the enemy or the bureaucracy of the Marine Corps itself, to name two.
The ‘Gumby’ image above from the early days of the Iraq War represents a perfect example of Gallows Humor.
Everyone knows Semper Fidelis or Semper Fi for short…always faithful.
For the day-to-day experience of Marine life, there was another saying—Semper Gumby2, which means always flexible.
Some Marine saw those two bullet holes in the wall after a fire-fight and thought they were perfectly spaced for Gumby’s eyes and made this ‘art.’
The squad probably had a good laugh and then returned to doing what Marines do.
More than once in my life I’ve faced less than optimal circumstances and had a decision to make. I could face it with humor and flexibility or let it overwhelm and defeat me.
I’m certain you’ve faced similar moments or even seasons in your life.
Long before I focused on questing well, I embraced Semper Gumby; it served and continues to serve me on my Ikigai quest.
🌀Here’s your Ikigai Thought for Today: How might embracing Semper Gumby impact living your Ikigai?
As always…Quest well.
https://havokjournal.com/culture/military/why-gallows-humor-is-essential-in-the-military/
The first use of Semper Gumby is often assigned to Marine Captain Jay Farmer of HMM-264 in 1984. He actually flew with a Gumby character toy mounted on the standby compass on the instrument panel of his CH-46E nicknamed "Airwolf.” However, the term was in use in 1977/78 in 1st Battalion, 5th Marines at Camp Pendleton.
Luckily I haven't had to dodge any bullets, David. Though I have been in a few sticky situations. Flexibility and humour both helped me through.
My favourite team I ever worked with was military. I loved their black humour and low key reactions to set backs.
Gallows humor is like a close cousin to macabre humor in some ways. (Tho my dark humor might be colored a bit by my kids). There are times when life is at its bleakest when the only option is to laugh.