power in laughter

There is so much power in laughter. No matter how I’m feeling, a good belly laugh elevates
me to a whole new place. It’s true. Can you feel bad when laughing? Can you stay angry while chuckling? I know I can’t. My philosophy has always been to love who and what you are and what you do. And to laugh at yourself and at life. Why not? It’s all temporary anyways. I’m not saying we don’t take life seriously, but we have to take that journey of focus with the right attitude. So laugh and enjoy yourself, it could save your life. Seriously! If you have doubts about this, read one of Norman Cousins’ books. He cured himself of a fatal dis-ease, but then created another one, and then cured himself of that as well. In fact, when he died in 1990, he lived 36 years passed the date his doctors told him would be his last. 


He once said, “On the quality of life: #1. Realize that each human being has a built-in capacity for recuperation and repair. #2. Recognize that the quality of life is all-important. #3. Assume responsibility for the quality of your own life. #4. Nurture the regenerative and restorative forces within you. #5. Utilize laughter to create a mood in which the other positive emotions can be put to work for yourself and those around you. #6. Develop confidence and ability to feel love, hope and faith, and acquire a strong will to live.” 

Most of us are not facing a situation as dire as Mr. Cousins, but our lives can be wracked with fear and pain, mostly brought on by our own minds. Adjusting that attitude to one of gratitude and happiness can make all the difference. Life is a process and we face the good and bad each and every day. On that path I have found that there is no need to make it a drudgery. Life can be fun! It’s up to us. While working on our spiritual evolution, we can choose to make it a joy, even a game. Really, we can make life fun if we want to. While we examine our process we can sing, and make up a little ditty about the situation we are trying to release. Keep life light and happy and everything will seem easier. I promise. And don’t forget to laugh! The quicker we laugh about a situation, the easier it is to let go. Think of it this way, if you saw your problems as a Neil Simon play, you would laugh yourself right out of your seat. Tragedy and comedy are the same thing. It just depends on your viewpoint. 

Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain. ~ Charlie Chaplin 

There is now a groundswell of support regarding the importance of laughter and its therapeutic value in the treatment of cancer. Evidence shows that surgeons used humor to distract patients from pain as early as the 13th century and now there is a scientific study of the effect of humor on physical wellness. Again, Norman Cousins is credited with this. Today, more and more people are turning to humor for therapy and healing. 

According to some studies, laughter therapy may provide physical benefits, such as helping to:

• Boost the immune system
• Enhance oxygen intake
• Stimulate the heart and lungs
• Relax muscles through the body
• Trigger the release of endorphins
• Ease digestion
• Relieve pain
• Balance blood pressure
• Improve mental functions

So, my dears, laugh and I will laugh along with you, 

Love,