Often when we talk about fun, or doing things just for fun, we talk
about it in a dismissive way as if fun isn’t important. We tend to value
hard work and seriousness, and we forget to pay our respects to the
equally important, light side of silliness and laughter. This is ironic
because we all know the feeling of euphoria that follows a good burst of
laughter, and how it leaves us less stressed, more open hearted, and
more ready to reach out to people. We are far more likely to walk down
the street smiling and open after we’ve had a good laugh, and this tends
to catch on, inspiring smiles from the people we pass who then
positively influence everyone they encounter. Witnessing this kind of
chain reaction makes you think that having fun might be one of our most
powerful tools for changing the world.
Laughter is good medicine, and we all have this medicine available to
us whenever we recall a funny story or act in a silly way. We magnify
the effects of this medicine when we share it with the people in our
lives. If we are lucky, they will have something funny to share with us
as well, and the life-loving sound of laughter will continue to roll out
of our mouths and into the world.
Of course, it is also important to allow ourselves to be serious and
to honor that side of ourselves so that we stay balanced. After a great
deal of merriment, it can actually be a pleasure to settle down and
focus on work, or take some time for introspection until our next round
of fun begins. (Daily OM)
