The Spirituality of Laughter

I write this to you now at 4:58 a.m., delighted thinking about what I’m going to say: If laughter really is the best medicine, (and it is!) then I’m so fortunate for the men in my life who can provide the antidote to anything.

My grandfather, my dad’s dad, my Pop Pop, was just too funny for words. My dad was one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I have three brothers – Joel Jr., Gary and Jimmy – and they’re all hilarious … like?super smart, funny, quick-witted and entertaining! My two kids – Max and Jake – are both not only funny but also light-hearted and so playful!

I just feel incredibly blessed to have all these really funny men in my life who are able to lighten up any situation.?

You know when they say, “Too soon?” That’s practically the anthem for my brother, Joel! There’s no topic off limits for his quick wit; he can take the most serious thing and find humor in it way, way sooner than you’d think is appropriate. Somehow, it always works and it always cracks me up!

Pablo Neruda called laughter the “language of the soul,” and I believe that’s such an important connection to make between laughter and spirituality. I can be serious sometimes but at the heart of all the life lessons I learn and put to practice, there’s this undeniably delightful idea that joy is the highest form of spirituality I can experience. And when I think about joy, laughter is a big part of that for me.???

I love spending time with funny people who love to laugh or who can make me laugh. I love my brothers. I loved (and continue to love) my dad and his dad, my grandfather. I love being around my two sons because their sense of humor is like sunshine. Whatever's ailing me, I know all I have to do is laugh (many times at myself), which is my favorite?kind of medicine.?