(391)Make the World More Beautiful… Start with Laughter! 😄
*(Continued from the previous article) *
“How amazing! After just one week of laughter practice, I suddenly realized that I no longer leak urine when I sneeze. This problem had troubled me ever since I gave birth to my youngest child seven years ago.” “My headaches used to trigger irritability and anxiety, but my laughter practice has helped chase them away. I no longer need to rely on medication!” “My belly has become smaller! Who knew that sustained laughter could have such wonderful effects?”
My fellow practitioners excitedly shared the unexpected bonus gifts they had received through the “Laughter Action” challenge. I quickly chimed in, “You’ve all simply forgotten! I already explained this in detail during our Laughter Yoga classes. Sustained laughter is a form of aerobic exercise. One minute of hearty laughter combined with diaphragmatic breathing is said to be equivalent to ten minutes of jogging. The body naturally releases endorphins, often called ‘feel-good hormones,’ which help relieve pain, while also lowering cortisol levels to reduce stress. Improved physical vitality may help ease certain symptoms, and laughter can even help burn calories.” Everyone was amazed by these unexpected benefits and felt happier than ever!
With everyone enjoying these bonus gifts, it was only natural that they eagerly spread the word. Yet many people remained skeptical. “Laughing out loud for no apparent reason just feels fake and unnatural.” I smiled knowingly. “That is precisely one of the major discoveries made by the founder of Laughter Yoga. This Indian physician emphasized that the body cannot tell whether your laughter is genuine or simulated, yet it can still respond to the laughter. Even if you start by forcing a smile or a laugh, after about a minute, your body may begin to respond with feelings of happiness and well-being. Before long, the laughter becomes genuine! Once you learn to press your laughter button deliberately, you may find yourself laughing more freely and joyfully every day. You have to experience this secret for yourself to truly appreciate it!”
Indeed, the pressures of modern urban life have left many people feeling almost soulless, as though the ability to laugh has atrophied or even disappeared. “An idle door hinge gathers rust; flowing water stays fresh.” Just as machinery left unused for too long may gradually become less functional, our ability to laugh freely may also grow rusty when neglected. One fellow practitioner immediately agreed. “Exactly! When I suggested that my husband join me in laughing, I discovered that he actually didn't know how to laugh out loud! He had lived more than half his life wearing nothing more than a habitual, polite smile. So we worked hard at practicing together. When he finally managed to laugh heartily, again and again, I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't stop crying. How grateful I am for this Laughter Action! It has helped my beloved husband rediscover this precious gift he was born with.”
As soon as she finished speaking, another practitioner chimed in. “Just look at the streets every day. Everywhere we go, we see poker faces! The fun thing is that, after activating my laughter button this week, I started walking with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I naturally began smiling and nodding to people I passed. It feels wonderful! As long as you take the first step, even if the other person responds slowly or their smile seems a little stiff at first, their cold expression can gradually brighten too. The barriers between people begin to melt away. What a beautiful feeling!”
Ah, seeing everyone laughing with such enthusiasm, I couldn't wait to share my upgraded practice!
As I continued practicing my laughter exercises, I could feel every cell in my body becoming more vibrant, while a warm current surged through my heart. Knowing that so many beings are still trapped in the low valleys of life, how could I keep this heartfelt warmth all to myself?
So I closed my eyes. To all the precious souls who have appeared in my life: I embrace each and every one of you in my heart. I feel the warmth and tenderness of these embraces surrounding you, wherever you may be. Even when we are thousands of miles apart, these loving thoughts and heartfelt wishes can still reach your hearts.
Making the world a more beautiful place must begin with changing ourselves!
I choose to activate my laughter button. I take the initiative to put love into action.
Never forget: Inner and Outer are One; there is neither inside nor outside, for all are part of one whole. When we send love into the world in the present moment, who receives the greatest warmth and joy? Often, it is ourselves!
So, what are you waiting for? Take action now!
Let’s make the World More Beautiful… Start with Laughter!
Attached: A laughter video for everyone to laugh along with!
https://youtu.be/85AM_V3QEok?si=ZLvOxGBohHRxJbf3
