I suppose it might be the best....

I'll admit that one of my guilty pleasures is America's Funniest Home Videos.  Cindy and I usually sit down to dinner on Sunday night about the time it comes on.  I know it's low-brow and silly and really cliched, but I find that the humor is easy.  As a matter of fact, it's probably the biggest belly laugh I have each week.  I think of it now as a great way to prepare for the work week.  As any of you, some of my interactions at work mean some disagreement, heated discussion or debate.  Being able to let go and just laugh at silly things seems to put me at ease.  

A friend of mine recently sent me a link to an article from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer about laughter, and how it's becoming a popular piece of the puzzle in fighting illness.  The article talks about hospitals that have created "laughter groups" as a piece of a larger treatment regiment for a variety of sicknesses.  I tend to believe in the positive power of laughter.  To me it's pretty simple - at least as far as how it works for me - I laugh, sometimes wildly, until my eyes water and my gut hurts, then I - at least temporarily - forget about my worries.  Here's the link to the article about laughter.

When you think about it, laughter is an important part of the YMCA mission to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  We're not just striving for stronger bodies or a more fulfilling spiritual life or more enlightened mind.  We hope to encourage all three.  And if laughter can improve you body's ability to heal, it's a key part in that mission.

Laughter has been an important part of lives since the beginning of time, in all walks of life.  Laughing is even an important teaching in the Bible.  In Romans 12:14, Paul says "Bless your enemies, no cursing under your breath.  Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down.  Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up.  Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody."

Victor Borge said "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."  At the Y, we're working hard to build relationships and shorten the distance between you and me, and the person next to you on the treadmill.  

So remember, live well, love often and laugh.  Laugh loud and hard, bent over with your hands on your knees.  Laugh until stuff comes out of your nose.  Try hard to find something to laugh at today, and if you can't find anything, be sure you can laugh at yourself.

Thanks to Zach for the article, and I'll see you at the Theater.