Laughter-Music for the Soul

What our world needs very badly currently is some humor!  We have been in the grips of one natural disaster after another as well as one of the worst recessions since the actual big depression. Many people are suffering and find it hard to even get out of bed as well as how to feed their kids and keep the roof over their heads. I do not believe that laughter is a cure all for what ails planet Earth right now, however, it is a viable coping method in many instances. Some of the most popular videos on YouTube involve one of two scenarios: laughing baby/babies and/or animal shenanigans, both of which tend to induce laughter in the majority of viewers. Humor and laughter can be contagious. It provides relief for a person both mentally and physically as well as creating social bonds amongst strangers. Laughter can provide physical relief by helping people to relax and to deal with pain and loss better. It also can boost one's immunity, help prevent heart disease, ease anxiety, stabilize moods, etc., all for free! What tends to provide the most benefit is laughing with others, rather than alone. I have been fortunate in my life as I feel that I have been gifted with a good sense of humor which can provide comic relief for myself and others! While a person's sense of humor is as unique to them as is their personality, some people really need a lesson in how to generate laughter and humor. One can start by creating opportunities to laugh such as:  going to a comedy club or watching a funny movie or t.v. show, share jokes, play with children or pets-going to a dog park with your pet is really a blast as many dogs are natural comedians and can literally entertain a person indefinitely! It is important to not take yourself too seriously and to laugh at yourself occasionally. Also, to keep things in perspective, remember to remind yourself of the things you are grateful for often, as this can help to put you in a "lighter" mood which is more conducive to receiving and to generating humor. I find it to be a skill and much like other skills we learn in life, the more we practice, the better we become. I wish you all much laughter and joy on your journey!