Laughter

Personal from the Saturday Review - "Important notice:  If you are one of the hundreds of parachuting enthusiasts who bought our course entitled 'Easy Sky Diving in One Fell Swoop," please make the following correction:  On page 8, line 7, change 'state zip code' to 'pull rip cord'."

I was recently given a copy of the book "Head First, the Biology of Hope" by Norman Cousins.  Cousins is the gentleman who had wonderful recovery results from serious illness using all that the medical community had to offer along with laughter.  His recovery astonished the medical community and he became an advocate, teacher and fellow researcher on the relationship between human spirit and wellness.

The part of the book that especially caught my attention was the section that talked about the practice of using  "Laughter Wagons" stocked with humorous materials and other items likely to amuse residents in nursing homes.   One group of Laughter Wagon volunteers wear buttons that read, "Warning: Humor may be hazardous to your illness."

Other suggestions in the book include sending a resident a book of jokes or silly toy instead of flowers.  Other suggestions include silly sculptures, comical photos, and mobiles. Or why not consider a joke or riddle of the day on breakfast trays or on a bulletin board?

During this time of year when it's too easy to focus on all that needs to be done and other stressors of the season, it might be good to share a chuckle rather than stories of our all too busy lives.  And while humor and a positive attitude do not change the reality of lives, it can influence the way people deal with their reality.  As Cousins advises, "Don't deny the diagnosis.  Try to defy the verdict."

"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."  Mark Twain