A woman called Mount Sinai Hospital. She said, "Mount Sinai Hospital? Hello. Darling, I'd like to talk with the person who gives the information about the patients. But I don't want to know if the patient is better or doing like expected, or worse, I want all the information from top to bottom."
The voice on the other end of the line said, "Finkel...Finkel, Let me see... Feinberg, Farber -- Finkel. Oh yes, Mrs. Finkel is doing very well. In fact, she's had two full meals, her doctor says if she continues improving he is going to send her home Tuesday."
The woman said, "Thank God! That's wonderful! She's going home on Tuesday. I'm so happy to hear that. That's wonderful news."
The guy on the other end said, "From your enthusiasm, I take it you must be one of the close family."
She said, "What close family? I'm Sarah Finkel! My doctor tells me nothing!"
Courtesey of Hill/Shayne
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Laughter's Capsule
What a fantastically Happy, two weeks. The joy of researching and writing about laughter - words are just so inadequate to describe it.
If, you my readers have come up with any words, that can truly describe, pure unadulterated joy or happiness, then let me know.
We had looked at the Gelotology - which is the study of laughter on our physiology. Hospitals and other health facilities have included laughter therapy as various researches had shown the positive effect of laughter on our physical body. Laughter enhances the immune system, the respiratory system, lowers blood pressure and relieves pain.
We also discovered how laughter was good for our mental and emotional well-being. Laughter connects people of different languages and cultures and religions, breaking down barriers, bridging the gaps. It is a universal language. Dr. Katari founder of the Laughter Yoga club which now has 6000 clubs world wide, feels that laughter is capable of bringing peace to the world.
Laughter specialist,Alice Hortop whose research and practice in Laughter therapy, showed how to bring laughter into our lives and the necessity of laughter in social life as well as in relationships
Then, we spoke of the types of laughter and how to practise them. Spiritual benefits of laughter was discussed for those of different religions or for those who had none.
There are still ongoing research in laughter.
I would like to continue on this theme but it will have to be interactive. Please send me your happiest moments, events or situations, which gave you belly laughs or the memories of those events that perpetuate those belly laughs. Also include people who made you laugh. EMPOWER your Life with LAUGHTER!
Laughing with you
Agapelife
If, you my readers have come up with any words, that can truly describe, pure unadulterated joy or happiness, then let me know.
We had looked at the Gelotology - which is the study of laughter on our physiology. Hospitals and other health facilities have included laughter therapy as various researches had shown the positive effect of laughter on our physical body. Laughter enhances the immune system, the respiratory system, lowers blood pressure and relieves pain.
We also discovered how laughter was good for our mental and emotional well-being. Laughter connects people of different languages and cultures and religions, breaking down barriers, bridging the gaps. It is a universal language. Dr. Katari founder of the Laughter Yoga club which now has 6000 clubs world wide, feels that laughter is capable of bringing peace to the world.
Laughter specialist,Alice Hortop whose research and practice in Laughter therapy, showed how to bring laughter into our lives and the necessity of laughter in social life as well as in relationships
Then, we spoke of the types of laughter and how to practise them. Spiritual benefits of laughter was discussed for those of different religions or for those who had none.
There are still ongoing research in laughter.
I would like to continue on this theme but it will have to be interactive. Please send me your happiest moments, events or situations, which gave you belly laughs or the memories of those events that perpetuate those belly laughs. Also include people who made you laugh. EMPOWER your Life with LAUGHTER!
Laughing with you
Agapelife
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Do you know the types of laughter
I am sure there are more types of laughter than the ones I will describe in this post.
Etiquette laughter This starts with a smile.It can be quite restrained and easily managed.
Pigeon laughter - Requires you to take a deep inhalation with the mouth shut and produce laughing sounds like the hum of a pigeon.
Soundless laughter. Inhale gently through the nose with mouth closed. Then open mouth and put tongue out and let the laugh out without making a sound while exhaling as long as possible. You should feel your stomach and upper abdomen muscles moving. The exhaling part while laughing makes a rhythmic movement of the diaphragm which is called " inner jogging"
Belly laughter This is the same procedure as soundless laughter except when you open your mouth, you let go and laugh loudly. With this laughter, you could roll on the floor or double up.
Practise these types of laughter daily. It will make such a difference to the outcome of your day. If you have any questions, please ask them by clicking on comment. Other comments welcome. If you are doing the laughter exercises, how often do you do them and how has it changed your outlook. Would like to hear from you!!
Agapelife
Ref:- R. Belasekar
Etiquette laughter This starts with a smile.It can be quite restrained and easily managed.
Pigeon laughter - Requires you to take a deep inhalation with the mouth shut and produce laughing sounds like the hum of a pigeon.
Soundless laughter. Inhale gently through the nose with mouth closed. Then open mouth and put tongue out and let the laugh out without making a sound while exhaling as long as possible. You should feel your stomach and upper abdomen muscles moving. The exhaling part while laughing makes a rhythmic movement of the diaphragm which is called " inner jogging"
Belly laughter This is the same procedure as soundless laughter except when you open your mouth, you let go and laugh loudly. With this laughter, you could roll on the floor or double up.
Practise these types of laughter daily. It will make such a difference to the outcome of your day. If you have any questions, please ask them by clicking on comment. Other comments welcome. If you are doing the laughter exercises, how often do you do them and how has it changed your outlook. Would like to hear from you!!
Agapelife
Ref:- R. Belasekar
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Spiritual Aspect of Laughter- 2
A good laugh brings sunshine in the house. (William M. Thackeray)
Laughter is a deeply spiritual Emotion! Why?
Laughter has the ability to clear the air and makes us present in the moment. It brings inner peace and Dr Kataria of the Yoga Laughter clubs believe if more people joined in the laughter, world peace is possible.
Do you see the absurdity in daily life?
Laughter is able to help you focus, not on problems but solutions to them. Laughter has a way of clearing your mind to focus on what really matters. Laughter is attention grabbing. Laughter is powerful enough to release pent-up emotions and regenerate helpful memories.
So laughter is important for daily spirituality as it Lightens the heart and Lifts up the Soul. Remember the proverb - "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you"....
Tomorrow on Gelotology which is the Study of Laughter, we wil1 visit 4 types of laughter.
Agapelife
Laughter is a deeply spiritual Emotion! Why?
Laughter has the ability to clear the air and makes us present in the moment. It brings inner peace and Dr Kataria of the Yoga Laughter clubs believe if more people joined in the laughter, world peace is possible.
Do you see the absurdity in daily life?
Laughter is able to help you focus, not on problems but solutions to them. Laughter has a way of clearing your mind to focus on what really matters. Laughter is attention grabbing. Laughter is powerful enough to release pent-up emotions and regenerate helpful memories.
So laughter is important for daily spirituality as it Lightens the heart and Lifts up the Soul. Remember the proverb - "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you"....
Tomorrow on Gelotology which is the Study of Laughter, we wil1 visit 4 types of laughter.
Agapelife
Spiritual Aspect of Laughter
How is laughter spiritual, you may ask?
For those who believe they were created by God, it would not be difficult to see God's Hand in this, as one of the first spontaneous emotions displayed by a baby is laughter. No one taught the baby to smile or laugh. Have you observed a baby laughing while alone in the crib without any prompting??
Religion on Laughter and Humor
Buddhists
When Buddha was enlightened, the first thing He did was Smile. You may have also seen statues of the Laughing Buddha.
Islam
Qur'an or Koran
"They deserve paradise who make their companions laugh".
Judaism
The Old Testament has 57 references to laughter and 27 to humor.
Many incidents in the Old Testament filled with puns, dry humor, funny situations and funny word play.
Christians
The New Testament has 287 references to joy, delight, gladness, laughter and rejoicing.
Hinduism
The Laughter Yoga originated in Mumbai, India.
In his book, Bonham,states that Humor brings God closer to humanity. Laughter is a common link between various religions.
Humor bring God closer to Humanity. For those who do not have any religious belief, still are spiritual beings so the posting tomorrow will discuss how laughter affects your spiritual self.
Enjoy Bill Cosby on Noah's ArK
Agapelife
Bonham,Tal D. Humor: God's Gift, 1988
For those who believe they were created by God, it would not be difficult to see God's Hand in this, as one of the first spontaneous emotions displayed by a baby is laughter. No one taught the baby to smile or laugh. Have you observed a baby laughing while alone in the crib without any prompting??
Religion on Laughter and Humor
Buddhists
When Buddha was enlightened, the first thing He did was Smile. You may have also seen statues of the Laughing Buddha.
Islam
Qur'an or Koran
"They deserve paradise who make their companions laugh".
Judaism
The Old Testament has 57 references to laughter and 27 to humor.
Many incidents in the Old Testament filled with puns, dry humor, funny situations and funny word play.
Christians
The New Testament has 287 references to joy, delight, gladness, laughter and rejoicing.
Hinduism
The Laughter Yoga originated in Mumbai, India.
In his book, Bonham,states that Humor brings God closer to humanity. Laughter is a common link between various religions.
Humor bring God closer to Humanity. For those who do not have any religious belief, still are spiritual beings so the posting tomorrow will discuss how laughter affects your spiritual self.
Enjoy Bill Cosby on Noah's ArK
Agapelife
Bonham,Tal D. Humor: God's Gift, 1988
Monday, July 14, 2008
Easy Ways to Bring Laughter into Your Life
I have researched and taught all aspects of Laughter Therapy for the last 9 & 1/2 years and have been completely inspired by its power to lift mood, reduce pain, connect people, boost motivation and confidence and much, much more.
I think often people make the laughter and smiling search more complicated than its needs to be. I do look at humour types and analyse occupations to try and optimize opportunities for laughter... but I also think finding laughter should simply be put on to your daily agenda like eating fruit and veg.
Make a conscious decision to try and find your day fun, spend twenty minutes (plus if you can) actively looking for the funny in situations or around you, see someone who is light and smiley, do an activity that may bring in laughs (see a comedy, join a new gym class, people watch etc).
People often get distracted by the type of laughter they want, most people want rip roaring belly laughs.. they often come later after you start to enjoy life, laugh more and change your daily perspective.
Think back to the past, what made you laugh? What did you do as a child, teenager,in your twenties, thirties etc that made you laugh? Who makes you laugh? Can you find more people with the same attitude, could you see this person more or when you need their lightness to balance your day with humour?
Ask yourself questions, what stops you laughing? Who don't you laugh with? When don't you laugh? Then be pro-active... if you don't laugh with someone can you change How, When and Where you see them? Maybe meet them out for coffee as opposed to going to their house or invite them to a stand up comedy night. Give opportunities for relationships to change and develop.
Focus on finding fun, happiness and laughter in all you do. Try not to think I am not laughing whilst I do whatever it is you're doing... think instead what can I do to get laughter now or next time.
Alice Hortop
Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy In University of West England (UWE)
Laughter Therapy Specialist
I think often people make the laughter and smiling search more complicated than its needs to be. I do look at humour types and analyse occupations to try and optimize opportunities for laughter... but I also think finding laughter should simply be put on to your daily agenda like eating fruit and veg.
Make a conscious decision to try and find your day fun, spend twenty minutes (plus if you can) actively looking for the funny in situations or around you, see someone who is light and smiley, do an activity that may bring in laughs (see a comedy, join a new gym class, people watch etc).
People often get distracted by the type of laughter they want, most people want rip roaring belly laughs.. they often come later after you start to enjoy life, laugh more and change your daily perspective.
Think back to the past, what made you laugh? What did you do as a child, teenager,in your twenties, thirties etc that made you laugh? Who makes you laugh? Can you find more people with the same attitude, could you see this person more or when you need their lightness to balance your day with humour?
Ask yourself questions, what stops you laughing? Who don't you laugh with? When don't you laugh? Then be pro-active... if you don't laugh with someone can you change How, When and Where you see them? Maybe meet them out for coffee as opposed to going to their house or invite them to a stand up comedy night. Give opportunities for relationships to change and develop.
Focus on finding fun, happiness and laughter in all you do. Try not to think I am not laughing whilst I do whatever it is you're doing... think instead what can I do to get laughter now or next time.
Alice Hortop
Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy In University of West England (UWE)
Laughter Therapy Specialist
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)