What is your favorite cartoon, joke or comedian that makes you laugh out loud? Charlie Chaplin, The Little Rascals, Carol Burnette and Betty White have endured as favorite performers because we pause, smile and often laugh out loud when we see and hear them. Saturday Night Live is in its 47th season, and The Simpsons are in their 33rd season. We all love to laugh.
In metaphysics we explore how changing our thinking interacts through our body-mind connections so we can experience physical, mental and emotional healing and come into a sense of balance and wholeness. These are serious subjects – and yet laughing and lightening up are often the path to facilitate healing.
When we encounter stress, we may react with anxiety, irritability and a sense of overwhelm. Our bodies can exhibit headaches, insomnia and other issues. These reactions add more stress and compound its effects.
Last week we considered how creativity, meditation and mindfulness can assist us to stay centered in peace and freedom in the midst of discord and stress. This week we will explore the power of humor and laughter to reconnect us with the Joy of being alive. By activating Joy as laughter, play and fun, we shift our thinking and engage the Creative Process to reveal Balance, Health and Wholeness. The latest scientific research from the NeuroLeadership Institute and others is documenting the power of laughter to reduce the undesirable levels of cortisol in our bloodstream and increase the desirable brain hormone levels of dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins that combine to create a sense of well-being. Just like changing our thinking, Joy and laughter are the medicine that guides our thoughts and behaviors to embody Wholeness. This week remember to laugh out loud!
Love and light,
Rev Pam
