Work as Play

What a waiter in Barcelona reminded me about flow state, rhythm, and oneness with a craft

I’ve been in Barcelona for the last week, ending a family vacation, drinking espresso, swimming in the ocean, walking a ton, and kicking off my own Euro Summer.

In Barcelona, I went to a restaurant called “My Way,” a hidden gem in a little cobblestone alley in one of those mysterious corridors you find in Barcelona, twice — and had the best dining and waiter experience of my life.

You know the waiters that you enjoy getting at a restaurant. They’re energetic, kind, funny, and put in the extra ounce of effort to really make you feel at home. They’ve also usually got some charisma and swag that’s magnetic that puts you at ease to also be a bit more confident and playful yourself.

This guy was all that, but to a different level.

Imagine a Zen master combined with a world-class dancer, playing the role of a waiter. That was my waiter, Pablo.

He floated gracefully around the restaurant like a ballerina. Every movement between tables, dropping or cleaning of a plate, and pouring of a glass of wine was perfectly synced with the rhythm of the 1920’s Sinatra playing in the background. He was unafraid to sing at the right moment, to poke fun at a customer, but also to hug them on the way out. He danced between the 8 tables he was serving, bussing, and entertaining all by himself, without for a moment being stressed or in a rush — and mind you, he was also the owner of the entire place.

Pablo was truly one with his work, and one with the restaurant.

The best word to describe Pablo, the one my mom used, was suave. The only parallel I can draw is an athlete in a supreme flow state, a tai chi master going through his practice, or a musician completely lost in the rhythm of a piece. It was transcendent, psychedelic, almost otherworldly. This guy was in flow, 100% of the time, waiting and cleaning tables on a Sunday night, in his 21st year at the same restaurant, immersed in the moment, having the time of his life.

Watching him reminded me of an analogy I heard from Alan Watts a few years back.

---

Work as Play

In this great talk by the philosopher Alan Watts, he gives an example of two bus drivers in the same city with the same job, but who have completely different experiences.

The first bus driver sees his job as a job.

The traffic is a hassle. The passengers are annoying. Every red light is the universe working against him. His perception of the job being a job makes his life a living hell. By the time the day is over, his energy is drained.

The second driver, however, sees the job as a subtle game.

He weaves through traffic smoothly. He welcomes each passenger on with a smile. He plays music he enjoys. He sees the task of driving the bus around the city as a game he gets to play rather than an obligation he has to fulfill. By the end of the day, he goes home energized and alive. And we can only assume how that translates to his relationships and personal life.

Two men. Same job. Completely different experience.

This story, when I originally heard it, impacted me deeply. It’s why I have “It’s all play” tattooed on my wrist.

Pablo, my incredible waiter, reminded me of why I got this tattoo in the first place.

He was not working a shift. He was playing a shift. And because he was playing, his customers love him, his restaurant gets better reviews, his employees are in better spirits (and thus do better work as they’re also playing), and he leaves for the day grateful for his restaurant, fulfilled in his work, and energized for the next scene in the movie that is his life.

There is much you and I can learn from Pablo.

How can we be more playful in our work? Can we dance through it? Can we see it more as a subtle game and less as a demanding job or chore? Can we allow ourselves to love the intricate details of the craft? How may a more playful approach translate to different creations, ideas, or impact?

Sometimes we just need a little reminder and permission that it can be play.

When we love what we do and see it as a play, it won’t feel like a job. It will feel like a blessing. And when it feels like a blessing, we will love doing it, do it more often, tell more people about it, and get better results.

---

Promoting from Play

When we love what we do, and believe in it with full conviction, we won’t ever hesitate or hold back when promoting ourselves or our work.

Pablo had no problem promoting his restaurant.

When we were standing outside, looking at the menu and debating whether or not to enter, he came outside and said:

“You won’t find better in town, I promise you that.”

There was no persuasion. No crazy pitch. No special deal.

He just told us the truth of what he felt. We could feel his conviction and passion, and so we went in.

And damn, did he overdeliver.

And in the same spirit, I want to make the same offer to you.

Come to the Thailand Expedition this November.

You will not find a better experience on the market.

3 stops.

10 days.

25 creators, founders, artists, and travelers.

Yoga. Masterminds. Hikes. Pad Thai. Creative work sessions. Breathwork. Meditations. Motorbikes. Ecstatic dance. Lifelong connections.

It just might be the best 10 days of your life.

You can check out the itinerary, see the places we’ll be staying, and apply here:

transcendenceuniverse.org/thailandexpedition

18/25 spots remain.

And if you’re ever in Barcelona, go check out My Way and tell Pablo I say hi.

As always, I appreciate your time reading.

Much love,

Jack