Laughter
Laughter is surprisingly canny (as opposed to, say, canned laughter). On the surface, it’s just an amused reaction to something funny: lighthearted, guttural, fleeting. Yet it has surprising power to ease tension at the highest levels or seal instant friendships, and its healing benefits have long been touted. You can even enroll for laughter therapy. In California. Of course.
A baby’s laughter is surely one of life’s intoxicating sounds. When little ones are amused, their joyous gurgles bubble up from within. They’re fully in the moment, sometimes unaware of anyone else, perhaps fully engaged in their own toes. And it’s always genuine. A baby doesn’t chortle dryly at some wry political joke, or at their own witty observation, and they certainly don’t laugh at someone else’s misfortune (that dreaded schadenfreude).
Today there’s serious competition to make us laugh, from “Funny or Die” videos, to pay-per-view comedy routines, to any amount of animal antics online to drive traffic to sites.
A sense of humor is a finely tuned instrument; what makes one of us dissolve into fits, could leave someone else bored or scratching their head. Years ago, there was aTV ad that made me laugh every time. It was a sausage. In psychotherapy. You had to be there…
What makes you laugh? And how much is laughter a part of your day, or your relationships with family, friends or colleagues?
I think this is one of the most vital information for me.
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I’ve never been able to see the humor in the misfortune of others (unless I really, really don’t like them–but even then there are serious limits). I don’t think I can explain what makes me lauh, but humor is a huge part of my day. I think people work together better when they’re in a good mood and I try to do my part to help achieve that. At the same time, it’s important to recognize when someone needs a good cry too.
Hi Alicia,
Laughter really is the best medicine! I take it for granted but it it’s an important part of my life. Not only does laughter help to break the ice and put people at ease, but it often helps me put things in perspective. Laughter gives us that feel good factor. I search out good comedians, funny movies and light hearted friends to share amusing experiences. We all find different things funny, some like slap stick comedy, others witty banter. What ever works for you. Thanks for reminding me. Oh, and I loved the ‘Mr Sausage’ too advert too! Viv x
Oh, laughing is sooo important to me. It’s how I grew up. At dinner it was all about who could tell the funniest story, usually about something that happened that day. I listened for years to my older siblings tell their stories and I couldn’t wait until I had something funny to say. My son is all about laughing too. He’s full of stories or quotes from comedy shows or his favorite app, ifunny. And of course, humor is the foundation of my blog. Laughter is oh so valuable!
Thanks Francie, it makes me smile to picture you all around the table, each telling more outrageous than the last! Sounds like your boys got the gene too. 🙂
Laughter is such a part of my day. And I couldn’t imagine being with a partner who didn’t make me laugh.
Thanks for sharing!
And fellow Savvy Girls: Francie’s blog is a terrific read! Check it out at http://www.shoezle.com
Alicia