Be Blessed: & Laugh.... Often!!

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.

~Jean Houston

I've always thought that a big laugh is a really loud noise from the soul saying, "Ain't that the truth."

~Quincy Jones

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.

~e.e. cummings



When was the last time you had a really, tremendously good laugh? A laugh that you felt from your head to your toes? Do you remember how you felt spiritually after that laugh?

For me.... after a good laugh, once the tears have been wiped from my eyes and I've caught my breath... I always have a good sigh that sets my soul to vibrating. After a good laugh, that wonderfully, blessed feeling lingers and it takes very little to keep that goodness with me.

When I want to laugh heartily and plentifully, I go to movies (One of my favorites is the Abbott & Costello movie, "Hold that Ghost" and the squirrel scene with Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"). But a good "America's Funniest Home Videos" marathon is always good for laughs!!! Whatever the source, laughter is so tremendously important.

From the good folks at The Daily Om:

Centered Silliness
Laughing Meditation

Many people might be surprised to think of laughter as a form of meditation. Yet not only is laughing meditation one of the simplest forms of meditation, but also it is a very powerful one. The physical act of laughing is one of the few actions involving the body, emotions, and the soul. When we laugh, we give ourselves over to the immediacy of the present moment. We also are able to momentarily transcend minor physical and mental stresses. Practiced in the morning, laughing meditation can lend a joyful quality to the entire day. Practiced in the evening, laughing meditation is a potent relaxant that has been known to inspire pleasant dreams. Laughter also can help open our eyes to previously unnoticed absurdities that can make life seem less serious.

There are three stages to mindful laughter. Each stage can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The first stage involves stretching your body like a cat and breathing deeply. Your stretch should start at the hands and feet before you move through the rest of your body. Stretch out the muscles in your face by yawning and making silly faces. The second stage of the meditation is pure laughter. Imagine a humorous situation, remember funny jokes, or think about how odd it is to be laughing by yourself. When the giggles start to rise, let them. Let the laughter ripple through your belly and down into the soles of your feet. Let the laughter lead to physical movement. Roll on the floor, if you have to, and keep on laughing until you stop. The final stage of the meditation is one of silence. Sit with your eyes closed and focus on your breath.

Laughter brings with it a host of positive effects that operate on both the physical and mental levels. It is also fun, expressive, and a way to release tension. Learn to laugh in the present moment, and you'll find that joy is always there.



This week I will take the time each day to laugh. even if its just funny faces in the mirror!!!