Humor is the Tenth Treasure

Never lose your sense of humor! Laughter is one of the most healing sounds in the world. We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” And science now affirms what yogic sages have long known. Humor is a treasure. Research shows that laughter strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, improves mood, and supports emotional resilience. People with a well-developed sense of self cope better with adversity, and many studies suggest they even live longer. Across all cultures and throughout the ages, humor is a fundamental part of being human. It connects us. It fosters intimacy. It softens sorrow. It helps us endure hardships. A healthy sense of humor deepens learning, encourages wisdom, and supports emotional well-being. It gives perspective when life feels heavy. In yoga philosophy, maya means illusion or boundaries – not that the world itself is unreal, but that our perceptions of it can be distorted. The experiences we have are real and purposeful; they are here to teach us about our true nature. Humor helps loosen the grip of illusion. When we laugh, we step back from rigid perceptions. We see more clearly. We remember that we are more than our temporary challenges. Our sense of humor is part of our true nature and integral to how we see the world. Never lose your sense of humor – it takes conscious effort not to lose it. Let’s get started. END: Life will present us with many challenges. Each of these will test our resilience. If you cannot laugh at yourself and at the craziness of life, you will lose two of the great pleasures of life: laughter and a sense of humor. Never lose it! It’s a great treasure. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. When it comes to humor, keep your ego in check. True humor never mocks, ridicules, or wounds. It uplifts. It allows us to laugh with others, and not at them. It includes the sacred ability to laugh at ourselves – to lovingly accept our own quirks and imperfections. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When we release defensiveness and self-importance, we find the humor woven throughout all of life. We discover that laughter is strength. It is resilience. It is perspective. To me, the most beautiful sound in the world is to hear the ones I love laughing. I know in those moments they are experiencing pleasure, one of the great aims in life. At its core, humor is not about jokes. It is about perspective. When we can hold life lightly with a sense of humor, we are not dismissing it — we are trusting it. Humor is wisdom with a smile. A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life will keep you laughing. The late Jimmy Buffett said, “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” Humor is truly a great gift. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn