Laughter is medicine for both the body and the spirit. It engages the breath, the belly, the chest, the face, and sometimes more members of your body. Laughter is often prompted by a pleasant surprise. When you laugh, it is then an indication that you were taking note of something unexpected – getting out of ‘auto-pilot’, and that you were taking note of something pleasant. Both of these acts of noticing can build joy and contentment. Take note when you laugh. You are working to heal your body, your spirit and your mind.
| Laughter releases at least 3 different neuro-chemicals: endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. These help to reduce the experience of physical pain, increase a sense of acceptance and camaraderie, and increase a sense of well-being. Another person’s laughter has a similar effect on our own brains, and this is thought to have the purpose of increasing community, social bonds and attachment. Our own laughter increases connectivity among the various parts of our own brain, which is similar to the effect of meditation, and is a vital part of releasing the power of your own wondrous mind and promoting awareness of the blessings in this day. |
Our brain reacts differently to the fake and the sincere laughter of another. Sincere laughter is contagious, but fake laughter evokes suspicion. So forcing yourself to laugh is probably not going to be helpful with your relationships, however, forcing yourself to laugh seems to produce all of the other benefits of laughter that comes naturally from humor. You could expose yourself to more humor, and to more social connections with people who laugh and are fun to be with. If that is beyond your reach at this point, you may wish to try this exercise. It is a small but important step toward the freedom of sincere laughter.
HALF SMILE
Let your lips become relaxed. Bring the corners of your mouth slightly higher. Pay attention to any tension in your jaw, cheeks and tongue, and with a deep breath in and then out, let that tension fade away. With another breath, let the mouth and jaw relax a little more. Turn your attention to your eyes and the muscles in your face around your eyes and brow. Notice any tension there and with a breath in and out, let that tension go. Now turn your attention back to your lips. If any tension has resumed, let that go. Pay attention to if the corners of your lips remain slightly lifted. Just sit for a while and enjoy the experience of this half smile.