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Laughter as medicine for the body and soul << Previous Next >>
Guest author: Liz Ellmann, MDiv
“Are you laughing enough?” my doctor asked me during my annual physical exam. After feeling my pulse and listening to my lungs, she continued, “People in helping roles need to laugh a lot, especially ministers.” She looked me straight in the eyes, “So I am giving you a prescription to laugh at least fifteen minutes every day. It’s what you need to stay healthy.” I smiled in agreement before opening my mouth to say, “Ahhh.”
When I told Sister Anna Rourke, CSJP my doctor’s prescription, Anna laughed aloud with delight. In her cheerful Irish brogue Anna said, “It is God’s greatest blessing to laugh. It’s a way of giving it all to God, a way of trusting deeply.” As spiritual directors, we need to nurture a light heartedness in ourselves and in each other, particularly during difficult times. Perhaps we also need to encourage the people we spiritually companion to laugh more often.
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Anna. Anna who? Anna body know some more jokes?
06/02,2009, at 22:37
For hearty, healthy laughter one could always check out a laughter yoga club. The first one was started by a physician in India 10 or 15 years ago and now there are 6,000 worldwide in 60 countries. Lots of info and funny videos on line about their activities, purpose, value, etc. www.laughteryoga.org. I've never been to an activity but have called in a few times to free laughter conference calls available numerous times a week at certain times in the U.S. and I think a few other countries. Calls are 12 - 20 minutes in duration, (though you can come and go as you wish) led by laughter club leaders, and the sole purpose is hearty, silly belly laughter for all callers, and it does achieve that. www.LaughterYogaOnThePhone.com
06/04,2009, at 00:05
I completely agree with this. Laughter has helped me through many difficult situations.
06/08,2009, at 13:52
I spend time with my nieces and nephews. I have 7 under 8 years of age and when I see the world through their eyes, I laugh and delight in their point of view. Spending time with children is my greatest healing/reenergizing time.
02/19,2010, at 10:29
Hi! Fantastic idea, but could this really work?
02/22,2010, at 12:43
Thank you, Natashia, for reminding me to laugh for fifteen minutes a day. I needed the reminder and your question helped me see that it was working, and I had forgotten to keep up the spiritual practice of looking for the beauty and joy of laughter as well as praying for and about the world's, my family's, and my own needs. Smiling helps me stay present to God's work and play in the world. Laughing helps a lot.