Laughter is the Best Medicine

For those of you that know me well...you know that I love to laugh. It is something I take great pleasure in. I laugh at jokes. I laugh at life's circumstances and, most of all, I laugh at myself. It gives me great joy.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, laughter is the medicine of the heart. In fact, a healing sound for the heart is "ha" as in hahaha. It can also be pronounced as a sigh to relieve stress and anxiety. The Chinese realized early on (as did many cultures) that the uplifting feeling received through laughter is medicine for the soul as well. You would be hard pressed to find sadness, anger, worry and/or depression hanging around when you are involved in true heartfelt laughter.

Here are just some of the benefits of laughter

• Reduced heart disease and stress

• Natural painkiller

• Improves breathing

• Supports restful sleep

• Lower anxiety levels

• Supports relationship building

• Keeps you feeling young

• Gives you a more positive focus in life

• and, and, and.....

You may have heard someone say this during an especially trying time, "someday we are going to look back on this and laugh". Why not make that "someday" today? During this Easter holiday weekend, I invite you to enjoy the laughter that you hear and participate when appropriate. Lift any heaviness from your heart and let it sing with the joy of laughter. Look for opportunities to find joy in each moment of your life as much as possible. We all know that pain and suffering are all around us, but they don't have to be the ONLY thing that is available to you.

Have a wonderful Easter Weekend!