They say that laughter is the best medicine; but why does it seem to be in short supply? Perhaps it is because the state of the world and of everyday life is not a laughing matter – and history has shown this to be true. Yet even in the midst of pain, joy can abound.
For many, life’s simplest joys can be the source of laughter and gladness. Even the Maha Satguru spoke about laughter when he said, “Blessed (happy) are you who weep now, for you will laugh”. This shows that many who experience sadness in these days are soon to be rewarded with the joy of laughter. Despite the disappointments of this life, the laughter that those who trust in God will experience is indescribable.
Something happens to us when we express ourselves through laughter – not only does it distract us from our current situation or struggles, but it also releases an emotion that cannot be expressed in words. In ancient times, this emotional outburst was a way to show one’s amazement or surprise. For many, laughter has come to represent an escape from the pressures of life and a way to divert our feelings, if only for a moment. When we follow the way of the Maha Satguru, however, we are able to express our amazement in a more authentic way.
When we think of laughter, we often associate it with our situation – if we are with family or friends, or at a function, or in any place where we find the most joy, we are able to use laughter as an expression of our feelings. Usually, the more someone laughs, the more those surrounding are also able to express themselves through laughter. The contagious nature of laughter is such that it is able to change the environment and perceptions of people in a positive light.
As the Maha Satguru teaches, we are blessed, not due to the fact that we find our joy in this world, but because our life’s joy comes from our Creator, who is the sustainer of life and the reason for our laughter in the middle of our circumstances.