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 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)
