Laugh Often...

We've all heard the adage: love much, laugh often, etc. How often do we really laugh in this responsibility laden world ? Here's a startling statistic I heard in a relaxation techniques class a couple years ago: A child laughs on average 450 times a day while the average adult laughs a bountiful four times a day. What is wrong with this picture?

I have found with my ever-growing responsibilities that proliferate exponentially with every year that passes, I am laughing less. The stress of this world anchors my spirits ever so slightly. So, here is my question: how do we still stay in touch with that inner-child and laugh (thus releaving stress) without loosing touch with those adult qualities? How do we keep childHOOD alive without seeming childISH to others?

I would first say that we should look at the root of the problem: stress. Notice that the more stress and anxiety we hang on to, the harder it takes for the blimp of bliss to take off. So how do we let go of stress? Is it a conscious decision? Do we decide at a whim to say "fuck it" and laugh it off? Yet, it seems to me that in order to "let go" one needs to laugh, and in order to laugh, one has to let go. How do we escape this happiness paradox?

Through my past experiences, I would say that for those who have a large sense of Faith, its easier (at least theoretically) to let things go. "Let go and let god" the Bible says. Albeit easier said than done, there is some truth to this.

I have found the more I let go of my stresses, the more I am likely to discover they are out of my hands for the most part, the easier it is for me lighten my spirits and re-acquaint myself with those things that I've found in my childhood that made me laugh and all around feel good. I have re-introduced myself to Miles Davis, to jazz in general, to impersonations, to puns and pun-making, to dancing in the car, and to singing out loud in the car and letting people see me have a good time.

If people see me having a good time, it gives them permission to have a good time too. So spread a little laughter and good times. It's the best countermeasure to the stress of adulthood.

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P.S. Having a life partner who is as dedicated to laughter as you are doesn't hurt either. Thanks, April for all the laughs--here's to a lifetime more. :D