March 13, 2014
Daughters of my heart...and other readers,
One of my favorite poems is "Laughter" by Serene S. West:
"Laughter is a melody, a concert from the heart,
A tickling of the angels, creative living art.
Laughter heals and comforts, it's sometimes gentle---sometimes bold.
Laughter is a freeing dance, performed within the soul."
This year, Sunday, May 4th is World Laughter Day, the perfect day to gather with friends to celebrate friendship and laughter.
The study of laughter and its effects on the body, both from a psychological and physiological perspective, is called gelotology, from the Greek 'gelos', meaning laughter.
Laughter has been used since the 13th Century to distract patients from pain. The study of humor on physical wellness, however, didn't begin until sometime in the 20th Century. Some believe it began after the publication of, "Anatomy of an Illness," published in 1979. The author, Norman Cousins, after years of pain from a serious illness, tells how he cured himself by watching comedic movies.
Since then, it has been scientifically proven that laughter does indeed contribute to the healing process. Laughter reduces the stress hormones. The brain releases endorphins when we laugh, the 'feel-good' hormones with pain-killing and tranquilizing abilities. Laughter causes dilation of the inner lining of the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. Laughter relaxes the muscles, enhances oxygen intake, eases digestion, and massages the inner organs.
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America include laugh therapy sessions as part of their Mind-Body Medicine Department. Other hospitals do laughter therapy with children and the handicapped.
In 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria of India, began a Laughter Yoga Club with five people. Today, those Clubs number almost 6,000 and are located in 60 different countries, including the U.S. In India, Dr. Kataria has taken Laughter Yoga into schools, facilities for the mentally and physically handicapped, and prisons.
Laughter Yoga International is a global movement to promote health, joy, and peace in the world by building a global consciousness of brotherhood and friendship through laughter. To locate a Club near you, visit their website: laughteryoga.org. Training is also available to become a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. No fees to join Laughter Yoga.
A wealth of information on the healing power of laughter is available online, and many books have been written on the subject. Social laughter clubs are becoming common in Senior Centers and other meeting places. You may prefer to start a group of your own, meeting with friends for the sole purpose of celebrating friendship and laughter, a mental and physical health activity.
In the late 1930's, when my brother and I were still children, once in a while, our Mom would say to us, "Let's laugh." At first, it would be forced and awkward, but then it would become real laughter...happy sounds.
It was wonderful to hear my Dad laugh. It seemed to start from somewhere deep inside and gather momentum until it burst out of him, tears rolling down his face. Even if you didn't feel the least bit amused, it was contagious, and it makes me smile to remember him that way. (Eyes get moist during laughter as a reflex from the tear glands).
My brother's laugh could fill a room. Years ago, for a while, I would write him totally ridiculous reports in the form of letters, pretending to be his Press Secretary. I would put the letters in the mail and wait for the phone to ring the next day. I knew he would call me while he was still reading, laughing for all he was worth. Music to my ears.....happy memories.
I find it amazing that, in addition to everything else our bodies do for us on a daily basis, we come into this world with a sense of humor that lightens our moods, relieves stress, increases blood flow, and boosts the immune system that keeps us healthy.
There may well be times in our lives when events and circumstances present themselves and we may think we will never smile again, let along laugh. So, I would suggest that you laugh whenever you can and, then, if dark days come, you will be emotionally stronger and physically healthier and better able to face whatever the situation may be, or may become. Laugh when you can. "Laughter is a freeing dance, performed within the soul."
Daughters of my heart and other readers, remember always to take care of yourselves. Treat yourselves gently and with respect. Walk in dignity and grace. You are important to God, the Universe, and all those who love you, including me.
Love you, always
Zizi
Copyright: 2014
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(Zizi is a diminutive form of Zia, Aunt in Italian).
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