Laughter or The Ha Ritual

        "Respect. What emotion does that evoke in you when you hear the word? Or reverent? Do you immediately get a serious look on your face, do you become solemn, or try to assume a 'sacred' face? There are many serious aspects of spirituality but there are aspects of humor which are not usually addressed and for many, those aspects are ignored.

        In many churches we hear words, words, words and good ones. Only occasionally do we hear a chuckle or laughter. Laughter is enlightening. Laughter is lightening. It is even uplifting in one sense. It encourages the soul to be a little freer, a little more open. As with any emotion, expressions can be overdone to the point of tiresomeness. But there is lightness in a room or space where there is laughter.

        Listen to the little ones. They are so much freer with their laughter. It rings out like bells at times. And those who can turn a mood, lift despondency, and change an attitude are those who give gifts though they may be intangible ones.

        Those who have been brought up in the most solemn approaches to religion are sometimes confused by the presence of laughter. It doesn't seem to 'fit.' Others are quite comfortable with it. And have you noticed the sharing involved? The group feeling even if there are only two. The connection.

        Laughter is healing. Laughter, when genuine, is light energy bubbling up and outward. It is contagious. It is a soothing release for the body's tensions. A breather, and a calming moment of space to be cleared of negativity.

        We are not all joke tellers. Nor do we need to be. Wit is a gift and when used wisely can educate in ways that books cannot. But what if we are not the 'funny' type? What if we cannot find much to be humorous about? Then we can be open to the laughter energy from others. We can share in the warmth of a group response, sometimes a hilarious response.

        Ha -- the breath exhales. Ha -- the energy goes out. Ha -- the release is increased in frequency and tone. Even the heheh are little pops of energy release. If you are not an openly expressive person, try warming up to it with a smile. You can be sure that there much to find that is humorous there on earth. Ha ha ha.."