One key in times
of crisis is the healing power of laughter. Life is serious but it needn't be
solemn. Humans are the only creatures who can laugh at themselves. We have the
ability to stand outside of our selves and see humor in the midst of pain.
Laughter helps us bear our pain and our problems. We don't laugh because we're
happy. We're happy because we laugh. Laughter eases stress and enables us to
keep things in perspective. When we laugh we release emotions just as we do
when we cry. Laughter is cathartic. Laughter heals.
Laughing benefits our cardiovascular system by increasing the oxygen in our blood stream. Laughter exercises our lungs and the muscles used in breathing. It stimulates our organs. Studies at Stanford University show that laughter causes an increase in dopamine, an important brain chemical. Dr. Paul Pearsall in his book Super Immunity cites evidence that laughter enhances our immune system.
Research on infants showed that babies smile when one month
old. At 9 weeks they begin to
chuckle. From 4-6 months of age they
learn to giggle. At 10 months they laugh
at visual things which are funny. At 12
months of age babies can initiate fun games such as peek-a-boo. Research has
also shown that the average 4 year old laughs every four minutes during his
waking day! Unfortunately, in the
process of growing up and becoming "civilized" we lose our ability to
laugh. We forget how to play.
When we laugh and play we have more energy, are more creative and more flexible. Our problems seem less overwhelming. In our culture play has been thought of as frivolous or a waste of time. But play renews us, preparing us for work. Years ago, Norman Cousins, former editor of the Saturday Review of Literature, used laughter to overcome pain. When he was ill with a disease of the connective tissues he discovered that watching old Marx Brothers movies and reruns of Candid Camera TV shows allowed him to be pain free for several hours afterwards.
If you don’t laugh very often, study someone who does and imitate that person. Learn to find humor in the events of each day and use humor to lighten your relationships others. Notice what makes you laugh. Perhaps you have a favorite comic strip. Clip it out and post it to prolong your laughter. Also look for books, TV programs or movies that make you laugh.
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Blessings, Dottie
Several years ago, I went through a time where everything in my life made me sad. I was invited to a Gaither meeting lasting two days,(Praise Gathering) I found myself laughing so much, one of my friends--the one who invited me-- told me that night it was nice to hear me laugh again. I realized that laughter is a gift from God.
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