The Best Medicine

They say, ‘laughter is the best medicine.’ When I was in high school we were given the assignment in science class to give a presentation on anything that interested us. I asked my teacher if I could do mine on laughter. She paused, I’m sure wondering if this was really a science topic, and then told me I would probably want to start by researching endorphins (something I had never heard of previously). I don’t actually remember much of what I learned. I remember showing a few clips from “Patch Adams” as part of my presentation. I’m not sure I found the answer I was seeking which was more philosophical and along the lines of, ‘why do human beings burst out laughing at certain occasions??’ but I do remember learning that there were real health benefits to laughing.  

I have always loved to laugh and been drawn to funny people, especially when I was young. Maybe it was my quieter and timid personality matched well with louder, funnier people but most of my childhood friends were quite funny. My longest childhood friend is hilarious and creative. We could not be more different in so many ways, but when we are together I know there will be rolling on the floor kind of laughing- even in the dark times we’ve shared, laughter was never far. I am known in many circles for my giggle. I think what may have begun as a nervous habit, at some point just became a part of me. I think in some way it has me stuck in a sort of good cycle. I laugh and I feel better and I feel better so I laugh. I’m grateful for my natural orientation toward laughing.

I have often felt myself holding back giggles in moments that are “supposed” to be serious- work meetings, church, while teaching. We are so serious all the time!! I also sometimes take myself too seriously- especially when I’m trying to control something or make the world be a certain way. Laughter helps us lighten up and it humbles us. Things just aren’t perfect, I’m not in control, I’m not perfect…these truths can make us lose hope…or they can make us laugh at the sometimes absurd, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes surprising way life happens. When I was young, I would “get the giggles” where I just couldn’t stop laughing. I’ve witnessed it in young people, but it hasn’t happened to me in years. Why does it seem like we get more and more serious as we get older? Maybe this is another gem of childhood that should remind us to be more childlike.

In the book, “Between Heaven and Mirth” by Father James Martin, he explains how laughter and joy are indispensable to a life of faith. I agree wholeheartedly, but a more common stereotype of faithful people is one of being dour, stern and…serious. Yet, Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine. He describes heaven as a banquet or a party. I think he knew how to celebrate! Mother Teresa would only allow Sisters to join her if they had a cheerful disposition and a sense of humor. She explained otherwise, the suffering they encountered daily would be too much for them.

I think back to some of the tragedies I’ve experienced and laughter helped ease the pain. We felt somewhat sacrilegious as we made jokes and asked “too soon?” after the dining hall at camp burned down. I belly laughed about some of my mom’s over the top antics after she passed away. My aunt was a huge prankster, at her funeral my dad said, “I keep hearing her laugh in my head.” I think we all did. During covid, my husband and I found a couple comedians we liked and started watching them regularly. It just happened- we weren’t even searching for comedy. One night- a few months into covid, around the time where we all started realizing this wasn’t going away anytime soon, we took shots and started dancing around the living room to the musical parodies of one of these comedians. Our kids were the ones looking at us like we had gone crazy, but it was so good to laugh.

Father James Martin recommends taking laughing retreats and this past weekend I did just that. Even though I just said how much I laugh at things, there aren’t actually many comedians I follow or even know about. Comedy movies are only funny to me if I’m in the company of friends who make it funnier. However, there is one comedian who I just adore. Jen Fulwiler is a Catholic woman and mother to six kids. She was told by the comedy industry there wasn’t a place for her…so she just funded and planned her first comedy tour herself and she sold out everywhere. This past weekend she was in Seattle where I happen to have several girlfriends, including the childhood friend who makes me laugh every time. I laughed as the bouncer, seeing our obvious mom vibes, told us we were going in the wrong door. I laughed as the only seats left for the 5 of us to be together were the seats they placed in front of the front row. I laughed all through both shows and hearing the bursts of laughter from my friends just added to my glee. All through the weekend with my friends we would remember certain jokes and laugh all over again. I think comedians can be prophets. They are able to speak truth in a way that isn’t harsh. I mean jokes are usually funny because we know they’re true. They teach us about realities of life. They remind us of the goodness of enjoying this world. I think, sometimes, we can demote humor to a lesser level of being and relating. We tell kids not to be so silly, we roll our eyes at a joke that doesn’t match our sense of humor, and we associate important things with serious things. We have forgotten what a gift laughter is! So, friends, let’s take ourselves less seriously and laugh more freely and joyfully!