Dare I speak the astounding truth? Even in the midst of this dreadful global crisis, we introverts feel an unexpected lift of happiness right now. For once, we’re invited—ordered!—to do what we love most: remain indoors and focus on what we choose, interrupted only by the occasional walk. How truly wonderful to know that for once, we’re helping humanity most by doing what we do best: staying home. 

During “shelter-in-place,” we’re spared the small talk, the trivial pseudo-conversations, the rote answers, the parties that we love but almost always tax our souls. In being “forced” to forego social obligations, we are relieved of burdens, including the stigma and self-judgment that have quietly haunted many of us our entire lives. 

Introverts are often judged negatively, but there’s one important thing about us that’s frequently missed. Superficial interactions soon exhaust us, but deep, authentic interaction feeds our souls. Genuine encounters energize. Splendidly spontaneous moments delight.

Yes! Higher Thought: The Cannabis Game was of course invented by introverts. Founders Marc and Jill set out to create a game that would spark authentic, fun conversation amongst the newly legal community of recreational cannabis users. But it does more than that — because anyone can play, stoned or not, and find themselves sharing surprisingly real moments with friends, family, even strangers.

I find this kind of unexpected and inspirational encounter exciting. These encounters are difficult to create without some kind of structure. That’s why “deep conversation” games are a thing now. But unlike some of those games, which give you the weighty feeling that you’re interviewing for a job or sitting on a therapist’s couch, Higher Thought is fun.

We need fun. Especially now. Even more than usual. In fact, fun might just help save the world! I believe that our sense of play, creativity, delight, even silliness, might just catalyze some genuinely new collective directions during this time of outward chaos. Something life-changing. World-changing. The loving heart, the meandering mind, spark of imagination, people laughing together: what can we dream up out of this fertile time?

Is it possible that we introverts can finally have the best of all worlds—our unabashed enjoyment of staying home, the deep pleasure of inspiring encounters, the soul-filling satisfaction of helping humanity—and the fun of play? I think not only that we can. We must!

Join us in changing the moment/changing the world! Jumpstart our collective transformation by playing Higher Thought—via video (Zoom/Facebook/Skype), on the phone, or with a couple of friends in the park (six feet apart, of course). Stoned or not!