The Lost Art of Joy and Humor.
March brings the beginning of spring and the anticipation of green lawns, flowers, warmer weather and outdoor fun. It also, brings with it St. Patrick’s Day, the luck of the Irish, shamrocks, anything green and gold, little people, the blarney stone, and a. Most importantly, for those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick’s Day is a traditional day of spiritual renewal.
When I think of St. Patrick’s Day, my thoughts include my great grandfather, Patrick Cunningham, who came from Ireland, became a judge and was followed carefully by the local newspapers of the time. I also, feel a sense of Joy bubble up from deep inside. I can’t help but chuckle. I think it must come from thoughts of the little people or maybe it is just my Irish heritage.
Joy in laughter is one of the enduring memories of my childhood; Laughing until tears rolled down our faces. Mother and Grandmother sometimes laughed so hard they would fall on the ground doubled over with their hands across their stomach. My Grandmother lived to be 107. I can’t help but believe her longevity was partly attributable to her heart felt sense of humor.
Today we know that cultivating a sense of humor and accompanying laughter has physiological benefits in addition to the psychological benefits: It reduces stress and tension, stimulates the immune system, increases natural painkillers in your blood, decreases systemic inflammation, reduces your blood pressure, boost the production of seratonin and at the same time lifts your spirits.
Perhaps you remember the TV Advertisement a few years ago with a very small child rolling around on the ground with four or five little puppies licking his face. You couldn’t help but feel an inner joy because of the pure innocence of his laughter.
You may ask, “How does one cultivate a sense of humor?” There are many different ways to cultivate a sense of humor that go far beyond the scope of this article. However, one important thing you can do when appropriate, look for the humor in each unpleasant situation. It is just as easy to see the glass half full rather than half empty.
When I was five years old my mother, father and grandmother were working in the orchards picking peaches. My brother, cousin and I were left alone in the orchard while they worked. We occupied our time pretending many things. This particular day, to be honest, I am not sure what we were pretending, but we filled the floorboard of the car with dirt and then proceeded to fill the gas tank with dirt, a lot of dirt. When Mom, Dad and Grandmother came back to the car after a long hot day picking peaches, they found the car filled with dirt. What could they do? Even though it seemed to be devastating, because it was our only car, I can still hear them laughing and retelling the story later that evening and that story and the laughter continues to this day each time that story is told.
Much can be said about working together as a family to cultivate a sense of humor.
Make it a habit by sharing something funny that has happened to you every day and if you can’t find anything, see who can make up the funniest story; this has an added benefit of stimulating your creative impulses. Reflect on funny times in the past and bring that joy and laughter to the present.
If need be, as a last resort, watch a funny TV show or movie. Remember, there is an abundance of joy and humor within you.
Researchers have shown that a good healthy laugh enhances the blood supply to the body and can relieve stress and anxiety even in the most difficult times.
Shortly after my husband passed away my uncle passed also. We were at the reception following the funeral, where those of us who wanted to be comforted with food, family and friends gathered. We were all still feeling the deep loss of my husband just a couple of months before.
My Mother, Aunt and I filled our plates from the buffet style meal set out on a lovely long table. I took my full plate to our table and watched as Mother and my Aunt walked toward me. I noticed Mothers’ pantyhose beginning to hang below her dress and by the time she reached our table they had fallen around her ankles. Mother was a large woman and her pantyhose had stretch out of shape a bit. I quietly said, “Mother, do know your pantyhose have fallen?” We all looked down to see Mothers’ pantyhose crumpled around her ankles. We looked at each other, and choked back the laughter that bubbled up from deep inside each of us. She sat down and I attempted to rescue her pantyhose. We fought to stifle the laughter but the more I struggled with her pantyhose the harder we laughed. It was impossible to stop the open floodgate of laughter. We laughed until we cried. I cannot help but believe my Husband and Uncle were right there laughing with us.
It was only inappropriate for those few who simply did not understand how important laughter is. Laughter is a wonderful way to release pent up emotions during intense emotional and painful times.
Balancing reverence with healing humor and laughter will surely bring a sparkle to your eye and enough joy to last a lifetime. Let the Little People show you how.
Tonda Adams, JD. CCHT.,
MtnQuest Hypnotherapy
505 S Arlington, Ste. 212
Reno, NV 89509
775 825-2588
References:
A Wee Bit About Leprechaans, members@aol.com,
Teachnet.com
Living with Joy, by Sanaya Roman