Laughter

After yesterday's post, I decided to lighten things up a bit by posting an excerpt from my book

entitled "Stuff in my Attic". 

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplain

I chose to open this section with a picture of Charlie Chaplain.  There are few on this earth who do not know of the comic genius of Chaplain.  He could single-handedly take a few moments on film and make you laugh and cry, and laugh again without thinking twice about it.

How is it that someone who had such a hard upbringing become a great icon of humor?  Raised in poverty, he entered a workhouse in London at age seven. 

Chaplin's first stage appearance came at five years old, when he took over from his mother one night in Aldershot. Hannah had been booed off stage, and the manager chose Chaplin, who was standing in the wings, to go on as her replacement. The young boy confidently entertained the crowd, and received laughter and applause.  It was an isolated performance, but at nine years old Chaplin became interested in the theatre. He credited his mother, later writing, "[she] imbued me with the feeling that I had some sort of talent." Through his father's connections, Chaplin became a member of The Eight Lancashire Lads clog dancing troupe.  He began his professional career in this way, as the group toured English music halls from 1899 to 1902.  Chaplin worked hard and the act was popular with audiences, but dancing did not satisfy the child and he dreamt of forming a comedy act.

Bottom line: Chaplain realized at a young age the importance of laughter.  (I challenge you to watch “Kid Auto Races at Venice” and not laugh.  While only his 2^nd film, Chaplain utilizes some trademark comedy that the world comes to love and adore.  “Kid Races” is available for free download here.

Perhaps you have heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine.”  God created us in a way that laughter actually helps you, below are some health related benefits to laughter.

• Laughter relaxes the whole body.  A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease	Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience	Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding

So, laughter is a great stress reducer.  Remember that next time you’re stressed.  Laugh.

I remember that when I was younger, my older sister would love tickling me.  I recall laughing so hard, because I was so ticklish.  One particular instance of tickling happened when I was about seven years old.  My sister was tickling me and I had a hard time breathing I was laughing so hard.  I recall I had warned her several minutes earlier.  “Stop! Hahahah, I’m gonna pee! Hahahaha!”  Then it happened.  I peed myself. To which my sister stopped tickling me and said, “OK, I’m done.”  (She was mean that way sometimes, but as soon as I got bigger than her, she got her comeuppance.)

Have you ever laughed when you “weren’t supposed to”?  I find this happening a lot.  Especially now I am a father.

Parents understand that sometimes your child does something so outlandish, and silly, that it is hard not to laugh.  You need to maintain that stern face, because they are supposed to be disciplined for their crime, and yet, it is just too funny…so you laugh keeping your lips together, trying not to belt out a huge “guffaw”, and say, “I’m not laughing!”  (Though you really want to.)

Or worse, when a funny tale is related at a funeral.  Everyone else looks nervously around before deciding it is ok to chuckle.  I remember I was at my aunt’s funeral, and a funny story was told regarding her past, and I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud.  I took a tissue and bent over, convulsing with “silent laughter” and my dad thought I was really broken up by the loss of my aunt (which I was, just not as he thought at the time).  “That poor boy, he must of really loved her.”  (Either that, or the story was completely hilarious.)

My sister once told me a story of my brother-in-law’s uncle passing, and how the memorial service was in the Grand Canyon.  The departed was cremated, and it was his wish that his ashes be spread into the Grand Canyon.  Here they are in a very somber moment, and some solemn words were said, then the plan was to open the urn, and let the ashes drift down into the Canyon with the breeze…except there was a snag.

The urn would not open!  Several men tried to open it, and it just wouldn’t budge.  At which point my brother-in-law’s father was trying to help him open it, and he said (referring to the urn lid, not the contents) “No, there’s a lip in there!”  At which point my sister had to turn away because her thought was, “Yep.  There’s a lip, and a leg, and eyes and liver and…etc..”  She was convulsing laughing so hard...(That poor girl, she is so distraught, did she even know him?)

My sister and I still share a hearty laugh over that tale.

Have you ever laughed at work because something struck you and only you as funny?  Then your co-workers think you’re nuts.  Let me say, this is great.  Not only does it allow you to reduce stress, it is fun to see where the rumor mill starts at work, and possibly get some extra vacation time because of it.

My family loves telling stories and jokes.  We have heard a ton, and sometimes we recall them just to get a good laugh.  This is accomplished by merely reciting the punch line.

“This guy was ok until we turned his head around.” Is a favorite.

The funny thing about the jokes my family tells isn’t necessarily the punch line, but when my sister tells a joke.

I love my sister, and she is very intelligent, just not so bright sometimes.  She will sometimes tell a joke that she will mess up, or not understand herself.  The former is understandable, and makes it even funnier when she says, “No, wait, that’s not it, let me start over.”  While already laughing herself!  The latter however is rare, but extremely humorous, in as much as when she tells the joke, we all laugh at the punch line, and as she is laughing with us, she will say, “I don’t get it.”  Yet, she is the one who told it!   At least she can have a good laugh.

In order to traverse this life with any success, you must learn to laugh at yourself first, then others. 

Growing up, I often would hear, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.”  To which I often added, “Then it is hilarious!”

It’s funny when friends get hurt.  That may sound harsh, but how many groin shots are featured on “America’s Funniest Home Videos”?

I myself laugh when I get hurt.  That’s how you can tell I am really hurt because I laugh.  I stub a toe, and it is funny.

When I broke my arm, the tears in my eyes weren’t from the pain,  (OK, maybe somewhat) but because I couldn’t stop laughing.

Many comedians use laughter as self-medication.  Much of their comedy comes from a dark place.  I find that to be true for myself as well.  

As of writing this I recently started regularly posting to my Twitter account.  I am using as a platform for my comedic therapy.  If I am being honest (which I am) I have no idea where most of my twitter posts come from.  I know that I feel bad some days, and I like to make people laugh.  That being said, I don’t foresee a comedy tour in my future, I don’t think a comedy club would be my forte.

Sometimes I find myself trying hard and struggling to feel funny, or to find humor in something.  There is a lot of humor in the world when we care to look.  Just be willing to look.

The bottom line is, whether you are laughing at someone or with someone, it can really be the best medicine.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about laughter.  Some of my favorite verses are;

Luke 6:21 

Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

Psalm 126:2 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."

Laugh today, don’t waste it.