Something that surprised me in the past month was how grateful I was for Laughter. I didn’t realize how often I would suppress it when out with others, perhaps because there was this undercurrent of judgment as to how my laughter sounded. Seems silly, but I think many of us have stories around how we sound when we’re amused. My laugh consists of a cackle mixed with various levels of snorting when I find something completely funny. If it’s even funnier than that? No sound. No sound appears, but I turn red, internally laughing until tears are ready to flood over, empty hand motions, fanning myself for air… those are great laughs. Why suppress them then?
That is the question I’m prepared to fully explore this month in June’s Intention series of LAUGHTER. The whole notion of this Intention series is a clear and concise acknowledgment of what I would like to manifest in my life. Last year I danced through layers of life’s challenges, with the complete understanding that they may not meet you where you necessarily (consciously) wish to be met, yet your reinforced nature of presence is what allows you to rise to the surface and continue on.
Through Joy I rediscovered a new layer of Gratitude for me, opening the way to exploring what my practice looked like. I had Gratitude for the Joy I was experiencing — and even the aspects that didn’t feel joyous. As I rode with Gratitude as my constant companion, what occurred to me was how seemingly ‘little’ things produced immense gratitude. The one thing in particular was Laughter.
I love to laugh. I love to dorkishly laugh. I laugh at everything — good jokes, bad jokes (that somehow translate to humorous for me), old memories, knock knock jokes (only if I actually get them), and sometimes nothing at all — I truly believe that Laughter can be such potent medicine for what ails us, when utilized in healthy ways.
Are there unhealthy dimensions to laughter? I think sometimes there can be, yes. Particularly when it becomes a mask to hide behind. I want to unveil my own mask and hold the intention of Laughter to be shared sacredly, lovingly, and humorously with others. I intend to open the way to receive Laughter in return, and to share in the contagious energy of belly’s hurting, faces reddening, and eyes watering through the currents of fun. I think we need more of that in our lives… more fun, right?
Let’s be amused this month, and maybe just a little bit more amusing than we sometimes feel comfortable sharing. Laugh, and laugh it loudly.