Friday, September 4, 2009

Laughing IS Praying

Sound of Laughter by hersley

I don’t remember the specific focus of the conversation that my wife, Kathy, and I were having, but I know it included something about prayer/communication with the Absolute, and something about laughter. We were playing around with the words, twisting what had been said, coming up with new variations/perspectives that had serendipitously been introduced. And then Kathy exclaimed, “Laughing is praying!” It was one of those things that made perfect, undeniable sense the moment I heard it—information that the spirit has always known, even if the conscious mind was unaware.

Time spent laughing is time spent with the Gods. —Japanese proverb

Neither of us had probably ever verbally expressed this insight nor even explicitly entertained it consciously—I know I had not. The moment she said it, I went silent, taking in the depth of this fortunate little gift of wisdom. A wave of realization ran through me and a couple of minutes passed before I was able to continue with the conversation.

The one who laughs, Lasts!

I have always loved that saying, and had not doubt of its truth. Science acknowledges that laughter exercises your heart, elevates your mood, suppresses the stress hormones, and boosts your immune system. Up to 80 muscles are exercised during a really good laugh. Now considering Kathy’s insight, I realized ever more reason why this little saying impressed me as being so true.

Humor is the prelude to faith, and laughter is the beginning of prayer. —Reinhold Niebuhr

Not only is laughter benefiting the body in ways that can be studied by science, but it is also bringing body and spirit into communion/alignment with the Absolute, the Tao. It is not surprising that time spent in closer communion with Source would rejuvenate us.

The greatest prayer you could ever pray, would be to laugh every day… —Ramtha

It makes perfect sense that laughter would be one of our surest invitations into audience with the Absolute. In the moment of a sincere laughter, the heart is open, the restrictive mind is lost, and we are completely genuine, naïve as a child. In such laughter, we give ourselves over, fully and unreservedly. Laughter is a true expression of earnest gratitude for life and the experience of our Self. Laughter could easily be the greatest prayer.

May you laugh heartily and frequently, my dear friends, and feel the union with your Source.


copyright 2008 CG Walters

Words do not contain truth, but may reflect the truth that you hold within. This is my truth. Only you can determine if there is any value in it for you.
Excerpted from **Strike a Chord of Silence, a new book of metaphysical maxims and essays

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3 comments:

Lance said...

Especially recently, I've really been finding this to be true, CG. Laughter is a powerful way to connect with our inner being - and that's a connection right back to God...

Julie said...

I've often wished for a recording a children laughing as they played. Just the thought of it brings a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

Your lovely phrasing is surely truth: laughter IS prayer, a prayer of the deepest, most resounding joyful appreciation, a complete submission into a state of grace. Thank you, CG!

CG Walters said...

Thanks Lance and Julie....I so agree. An unfettered child is the truest mystic, in unbounded connection/communion with the Absolute.
peace and wonder, dear ones...
CG