Heartspeak - Have a Laugh

by Life Positive

This is corroborated by our day-to-day experiences. In a family, a society, a country, when people remain free from melancholy, there is all-round cheerfulness and prosperity. Families that enjoy a cheerful atmosphere are cohesive and more secure. In such a situation, the mind and the heart act in unison. Laughter is the sauce of life. That is why comedy serials on TV and jokes in the other media are becoming popular.  Laughter takes away all ills of the mind and heart. One boisterous laugh leaves a marked effect on mental and physical health.

Research has shown that those who score high on a multi-dimensional sense of humour scale have lower levels of depression and higher levels of purpose than those who score low in humour.  We become healthier when we lighten up.  Some people are better than others at laughing things off, or at least smiling at the ridiculous. A modest person with a positive attitude will be a happier person. Therefore, he has greater satisfaction and appreciation for what he does have, and less distress from disappointments and failures. Also, a person with a modest and healthy self-image will get along more harmoniously with others.

We all must have noticed how contagious a smile is. When someone smiles, we feel better. This is a gift we can give ourselves, and to others around us. A Buddhist monk was sitting with a group of children, and a boy Mayank was smiling innocently. (Mayank in Hindi means the moon. The moon always appears innocent, genial, and cool.). He said "Mayank, you have a very beautiful smile." Mayank said, "Thank you". He said, "You don't have to thank me, I have to thank you. Because of your smile, you make my life more beautiful."

Sages advise that each day should be fresh. Don't come with preconceived notions. Laughter helps clear the air. So break out of it, and have a laugh. The only precaution which needs to be taken is that there should be no abuse of laughter, since ridiculing someone may hurt his soul. Negative laughter coming from cynicism and sarcasm needs to be avoided. There is an old saying: "Never laugh at motherhood or God." That means don't laugh at what shouldn't be laughed at.

L R Sabharwal, New Delhi