They do say that laughter is the best medicine!
Centered Silliness
Laughing Meditation
Many people might be surprised to think of
laughter as a form of meditation. Yet not only is
laughing meditation one of the simplest forms of
meditation, but also it is a very powerful one.
The physical act of laughing is one of the few
actions involving the body, emotions, and the
soul. When we laugh, we give ourselves over to
the immediacy of the present moment. We also are
able to momentarily transcend minor physical and
mental stresses. Practiced in the morning,
laughing meditation can lend a joyful quality to
the entire day. Practiced in the evening,
laughing meditation is a potent relaxant that has
been known to inspire pleasant dreams. Laughter
also can help open our eyes to previously
unnoticed absurdities that can make life seem
less serious.
There are three stages to mindful laughter. Each
stage can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. The
first stage involves stretching your body like a
cat and breathing deeply. Your stretch should
start at the hands and feet before you move
through the rest of your body. Stretch out the
muscles in your face by yawning and making silly
faces. The second stage of the meditation is pure
laughter. Imagine a humorous situation, remember
funny jokes, or think about how odd it is to be
laughing by yourself. When the giggles start to
rise, let them. Let the laughter ripple through
your belly and down into the soles of your feet.
Let the laughter lead to physical movement. Roll
on the floor, if you have to, and keep on
laughing until you stop. The final stage of the
meditation is one of silence. Sit with your eyes
closed and focus on your breath.
Laughter brings with it a host of positive
effects that operate on both the physical and
mental levels. It is also fun, expressive, and a
way to release tension. Learn to laugh in the
present moment, and you'll find that joy is
always there.