“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~ Milton Berle
Laughing!!
It just feels so good!
And I’m headed out to put that laughing urge to good use.
What’s Up?
Have you ever noticed how laughing can become contagious?
Or how laughing can just put a little extra bounce in your step?
I’m joining forces with the very talented and creative Kim and Jason Kotecki, from Escape Adulthood, to “laugh for social change”. Kim and Jason are a husband/wife duo from here in Wisconsin, whose purpose behind what they do is to make our adult days more childlike. Doesn’t that sound like a winning concept!
And together we’re going to laugh. A laugh flash!
Huh?
If laughing is contagious, feels good, and makes others feel more comfortable to laugh themsevles — wouldn’t it be a great thing to take this out into the world to get it spreading? Kind of like a virus, only way, way better!
That’s exactly what we’re doing! And you’re invited to join us!
Date: Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
Time: 10:45 AM Central Time (meet), 11:00 — 11:15 AM laugh
Location: Meet outside of the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum in downtown Madison, Wisconsin (corner of State St. and Miflin)
Who: Anyone and everyone welcome!
We’ll meet, most of us strangers — and then we’ll find ourselves a spot amongst all the happenings at the popular Farmer’s Market at the Capitol Square. And…we’ll just laugh. Laugh to bring some extra joy into this public place. We’ll do this for 15 minutes, and then we’re done.
Just think of the feeling you’ll be leaving others with. Others with us, gathered to laugh — filled with joy from laughing together. Others who pass by us — some who may think we’re a little bit “out there”, and most who will smile, maybe join in, and overall just feel a lightened sense of being!
Personal note: Being considered “out there” is a pretty cool thing!
How Did This Get Started?
The very awesome and super fantastic Katie West, from The Levity Project, is the whiz-bang smarty pants behind this idea of getting a group of people together to laugh in a public place. The goal of this is to bring about social change in the world, by locally going into public places and laughing out loud. And being okay with doing that. And to remind us all that life is fun. And when we really feel like laughing, it’s okay to do that. In fact, it’s down right good for us!
And cool beans! Katie will be doing this same thing with a group of people in Portland, Maine — at the same time (12:00 noon Eastern Time). So, if you’re anywhere near there, contact Katie and join her!
Maybe you’re someplace else in this world we live in. That’s okay. Feel free to join us in spirit…wherever the moment happens to place you at! Laughter around the world…
photo credit: TakenByTina
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” ~ Victor Borge
Wow!
Laugh with me now!
Ha Ha He He Ho Ho Ha Ha Hardee Har Har!!
Doesn’t that feel good!
More Awesomeness
Brandi Reynolds, joy rebel magnifico, just so happens to have a “mission” this week of finding and experiencing laughter in our world. How’s that for synchronicity!
If you’re not familiar with what Brandi is doing, check it out — right here explains the concept behind these missions she’s creating. It’s free, fun, and done when YOU want to!
Your Turn
What makes you laugh?
Are there times when laughter has lifted you up from a low place?
Any crazy ideas on creating laughter?
those pictures make me laugh, especially the first one! Good luck with this Lance, I know how excited you are about this project and I hope it is tons of fun!! Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
.-= Stacey Shipman´s Last Fabulous Post ..Podcast Interview with Sister to Sister: Educating Women About Heart Disease =-.
Omg-love that first pic!!! What a wonderful way to share in the laughter, Lance-and what a great idea!!!
.-= brandi´s Last Fabulous Post ..mission monday:: laughter =-.
I absolutely LOVE this! My gosh, and part of me wants to drive to Portland, Maine to join Katie and her group. Who cares that it’s 7 hours away?! Fantastic stuff, Lance! And I LOVE to laugh. It’s my A#1 favorite thing to do.
As I read the first couple paragraphs in your post I was reminded of being in junior high, and getting a case of the giggles so badly that the teacher had to stop the class. It was definitely contagious, since three others joined and couldn’t stop, either! Even the teacher started smiling and almost laughing, too (almost…).
I’ll be tuning in energetically and laughing with you!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..What You Already Are (Quote from Adyashanti) =-.
That first pic gives a whole new meaning to LM’A’O… there are certain people I can hang out with and we can just laugh about anything and everything… and it feels so good. And, while laughing certainly feels great, making others laugh feels ‘almost’ better… it’s always nice when you can share a story and everyone at the table is laughing.
Thanks Lance, laughing with you.
Darren
.-= Darren Sproat´s Last Fabulous Post ..Be Present for You =-.
Oh Lance what a fantastic idea!!!
This reminds me of the man who (I think he was in Europe) stood out in the middle of streets and offered people free hugs with a sign. And it actually worked! People stopped and gave him hugs and then others followed his movement around the world. We do need to laugh! We do need hugs!
We just need more of the plain and simple human contact that is so rare today as we pass by each other on the streets not even daring to look into someone else’s eyes.
So this is a fantastic initiative! I know I love to laugh and it feels great!!!! Wish I could join you there in person on Saturday, but I will be there in Spirit
Lance-O-Rama
I so like being whizzy bang…it’s kinda like having ants in your pants, but in a good way!
This is going to rock! ANYONE WHO IS REMOTELY NEAR PORTLAND MAINE.…follow the urge-join us and laugh.
Lance, you are inspiring for taking the reigns on this!
15 Minutes with The Levity Project: Laughter Flash is now happening in Maine, Wisconsin, New York, Texas, California, and even overseas in Norway!
Let’s take over the world with levity and laughter…what a great place this will be.
Peaceout Beansprouts.…we are all in this together.
Katie
.-= Katie West/The Levity Coach´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy Birthday Jenny Mannion! =-.
Oh my gosh! I’m laughing just thinking of this event. I wish there was a webcam! Will you post video?
.-= Yum Yucky´s Last Fabulous Post ..High-Tech Grocery Glasses Aid in Weight Loss =-.
What a lovely idea, Lance! Laughter is good for the soul — I find things to laugh about every day. I had a fall down laughing fit over the weekend when my niece’s cat jumped in one of my sister’s lap and she was trying to pet him while looking polite about it. She dislikes cats — you had to be there.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..you said Is, treasures and looking forward =-.
Hi Lance,
I love to laugh. Actually, I love to laugh so much, my neighbor filed a complaint with the leasing office because of my laughing. So I have learned to cover my mouth when I laugh at home.
Nothing is a better mood lifter than laughter and how I wish lived nearer to those two events because I would love to take part. Laughing is contagious. Sometimes we just laugh because of how someone else is laughing.
What makes me laugh depends on so many factors so it is hard to pick one. However, comedies are always a great place to start and there is enough material in every day life that can generate a chuckle or two.
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..One Year Already? – Sunday Song for August 16, 2009 =-.
hi Lance,
oh my, this was good!
I love love this quote ~sums it up so much!
“Laughter is an instant vacation.” ~ Milton Berle
the hippo picture got me !! I was smiling! thanks so much!
have a blessed day!
~Jen
.-= Jen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Basics: You Learn to Work With Yourself =-.
Laughter clubs began in India several years ago in just this way, with a few people who realized that the infectiousness was SO beneficial on many levels. It rapidly spread around the world, and I’m so very happy to see it’s now come to even the smaller cities in the States. In my own city, an enormous one, I find not a single such club. Not one! So, on Saturday, at the appropriate time, I’ll be laughing right along with you right here in my own backyard—and I promise to be loud enough that my neighbors hear the joy and start to grin themselves! LOL (no pun intended), they won’t know what hit them!
)
.-= Julie´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Honor is All Mine =-.
I laughed out loud just seeing the images you have added to this post.
One of the best ways to start laughing is just to hear someone else laugh. Whenever I don’t feel like laughing but want to laugh to break the mood, I use youtube to find videos of babies laughing — they never fail me. You can try :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGA7MEPfO-4 or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXXm696UbKY
In India, people actually get together in parks for a morning session of Laughter Yoga — sometimes as early as 6 in the morning. It’s amazing and very very contagious. One of the best way to start the day.
.-= Avani Mehta´s Last Fabulous Post ..I Am The Power =-.
I have never heard of these laughing clubs! So cool! And laughing yoga.…wow! That would be something.
So many things make me laugh. I also love to think about all the calories I burn when I laugh. So on days when I haven’t worked out.…I have to find something funny on the internet so that I can know that I burned calories that day! Ridiculous — I know! But sorta funny–
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Make Love, Make War =-.
I saw this on the Levity Project and I thought it was an awesome idea. You have to record it and show us!
.-= Marelisa´s Last Fabulous Post ..Does Nirvana Reside in the Right-Side of the Brain? =-.
Lance,
I am smiling. Sounds like fun and if I were in Wisconsin I’d be joining you.
My kids make me laugh. Kids laugh so much so naturally. And their laughter is so contagious. Mine are still young, so I get a lot of that.
And I often just put a smile on my face (even if I don’t feel like it) and it changes my mood instantly.
Thanks for the brilliant action you are taking.
Mimi
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Business Traveler’s Guide to Unwavering Happiness =-.
You know me Lance, I’ll totally be there in spirit. As for the answers to your questions…
What makes you laugh? I could laugh at a banana so pretty much everything and anything.
Are there times when laughter has lifted you up from a low place? Yep, there were times through my divorce when a good laugh got me through.
Any crazy ideas on creating laughter? A handstand against a wall. Works every time. Or speaking in a different accent to your own. That’ll do it too!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Brilliant Birthday =-.
Great post, Lance! I know you love to laugh and I think — I really do believe — that laughter is one of the best medicines out there. It was great to hear more about your project! I’m sure it’ll be a huge success.
.-= Positively Present´s Last Fabulous Post ..a rain-soaked realization: are you living in YOUR moment? =-.
I can’t figure out whether the donkey is laughing at me, or with me. I guess if I start laughing, then … with me.
I’m a fan of laughter. I’ve definitely made many people snort soda through their nose throughout my life, although I don’t list that skill on my resume.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..3 Thinking Techniques to Improve Your Intellectual Horsepower =-.
Hi Lance .. great ass! Wonderful picture .. what a smiling face. I’d love to be with you in Wisconsin .. I’ll be thinking of you. I’ve learnt to laugh a lot .. and it’s such an important part of life. I love the idea of laughter yoga .. the lower picture is so great too ..
such fun .. thank you for sharing them with us .. laugh yourselves round Madison .. the kids will have so much fun ..
Allthe best Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Tea containers? =-.
I love what you are doing with laughter. Yes, laughing does wonderful things for us, one of the best self induced medicines we can take. I often laugh, many times at myself as funny thoughts go through my mind. Have fun and laugh!
.-= Mark´s Last Fabulous Post ..No Ends =-.
Great idea! Laughing-Yoga is popular in India and a wonderful release.
.-= Kaushik´s Last Fabulous Post ..Call off the Struggle =-.
OK Lance, this is DEFINITELY got to stir up a laughter revolution!! When one of my girls was little, and had frequent sourpuss mood swings, I’d say “ok, just be sure you don’t smile” and within seconds she’d smile in spite of trying not to, and we’d end up laughing! Now she’s 32 and doggone, it still works! Sure hope someone videos your event and puts it on youtube because — it could be the Laughter Heard Around the World! Go, man, Go!
And I’m with Julie; wherever I am I am going to laugh out loud with you and make someone else laugh, too, ‘way over here in Hagerstown Maryland!
Hey Lance,
What a fabulous idea! You never know whose lives you will touch during those 15 minutes of laughing. Enjoy yourselves!
.-= Daphne @ Joyful Days´s Last Fabulous Post ..“Meditation is easy…” =-.
Hi Lance — What a crazy and wonderful idea! I think the fact that it’s a little crazy makes it wonderful..:) I will have to be there in spirit as I am quite a distance from either Wisconsin or Maine.
Laughter is what we do right before we gain proper perspective again. Laughter rescues us from seriousness.
.-= Amanda Linehan´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Art of Napping =-.
The photos you used in this post, Lance, are absolute keepers!
This is just great! I wish I could come out there to laugh with all of you in Madison. That city has such an awesome vibe! I can’t wait to hear about it. Are you going to capture this on film or video?
What makes me laugh? This post! You’re doing an awesome job of Creating Your Day today, Lance.
.-= Lori´s Last Fabulous Post ..Your Body is a Fortress, Part 3 – Your Thoughts =-.
Oh what a fantastic thing to spread around! I absolutely love the photos, by the way. I got a good chuckle out of them and so did my husband!
I personally always try to spread a happy mood. I have made a conscious effort in the past to spread a smile as it’s easier to do than laughter with strangers especially in New York City.
.-= Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..Recipe: Pasta with Humus Sauce =-.
Hi Lance:
Thanks for sharing that…I wish I could join you up in Madison. I love it there. Do they still have Rocky Rococco in Madison? I know, the pizza’s not that great, but I have good teenage memories of hanging out at Rocky’s when it was open in Chicago. It sounds like the event is something like laughter yoga. We have a group that meets on Sunday mornings — I haven’t been there, but I think I should be there!
Thank you also for sharing Brandi’s post. I love to laugh and here are a few of the things that have made me laugh recently: silly humor, Spinal Tap, Mitch Hedberg, The Family Guy.
i Laughed and i laughed and i laughed…oh god i laughed…I couldnt get myself to read after seeing the first picture…;)
Ok ..now that i have read the rest of this awesome post.…YAy for all you guys. We all need laughs in our life…and who better to spread the cheer than you lance:)
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Letting Go of the Past: The Healing Power of Forgiveness & Release =-.
Hmmm.…laughter therapy seems to be catching on. In Singapore, I know that there is a group of folks that gather together for weekly sessions. I have not quite join in due to a clash in schedules. But I am sure that it will be an interesting experience to laugh with a group of strangers.
All the best to your upcoming event! I am sure you are going to have a ball!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Creation, Intention, Consciousness =-.
@Stacey Shipman — I know, Stacey, the animal pictures are way funny! I am excited, and looking forward to Saturday, thanks much for all your support! And…more will be coming once we’ve done this. Ha ha ha (see, I’m practicing already…). In a big group, I can’t embarrass myself too much, right! Right? Stacey?
@Brandi — Isn’t the donkey a fun photo! This is a great idea, and I wish I could say it was mine…but this all goes back to Katie West and what she’s created. We’re just helping it spread, and it’s going to be so much fun! And I think it’s so cool you’ve chosen laughter as your mission this week!
@Megan — What’s 7 hours, right! And in school, when you can make the teacher laugh, you know that’s pretty funny! All right, since 7 hours is a ways…we’ll take you energy from where you’re at. Thanks much, Megan!
@Darren — Ha!! Yes, our, uh, donkey friend…also known as, right! And when we start laughing and can’t hardly stop, that feels so good, doesn’t it! (why don’t we do that more?). It’s great to have you laughing with us, Darren — thanks much!
@Evita — Hi Evita. This IS a fantastic idea…all Katie West! And it’s so great to be involved in this here locally! Hugs and laughter…two great things! And I think you’re touching upon something that is so important — this idea of human contact — touches, eye contact, shared laughter…it’s all so good. And Evita, having you with us in spirit is so awesome — big thanks to you!!
@Katie — Hey Beansprout girl! I see a movie coming…“Whizzy, Whizzy, Bang Bang”, with YOU as the star! In the meantime, though…Saturday is quickly approaching! The Wisconsin team is ready! Are you ready? (wait…this is old hat for you…of course you are!!) And that inspiration being passed around…that’s you and Kim! Two countries, and five states — awesome!! Ruling the world with laughter…let’s do it!
@Yum Yucky — Josie! It’s great to have you laughing with us! No webcam…although here’s the good news. It is all going to be videotaped. Likely to display soon on a website near you (mine? perhaps…should I not embarrass myself too much…wait…you know…I’m not afraid to go there!!).
@Lynn — Laughing is so good for the soul! And laughing so hard you fall down…that’s great isn’t it! Cats…I think they’re attracted to those who dislike them! Too funny!!
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. Okay, this has me laughing this morning. Really? A complaint because of your laughing? Makes me wonder if that person really needed to hang around with you for even a little bit…so you could rub some of that happiness off on them! I wish you were closer too — it would be great to have you join us…who know though, what might happen in the future with this. And we’re going with the “laughter is contagious” idea…it’s going to be so much fun! Thanks so much, Nadia, for being here…
@Jen — Hi Jen. And so if laughter is like an instant vacation…this weekend I’m going on a quick vacation with a whole bunch of people I don’t know…and it’s going to be a blasst! And the hippo, in a much more subdued way than the donkey…brings about some instant feel-good vibes, doesn’t he! Thanks so much for being here!
@Julie — Katie does a lot of work with laughter (Portland, ME has to be such a bright and cheery place!) and really has taken this concept and brought it here to the US, in some wonderful ways! And we’ll take it — you with us — I know you’ll be there Julie! So, we’ll be in WI, Katie in ME, and you at your house — laugther all across the country! Here’s to making your neighbors wonder what’s going on!! thanks so much Julie!
@Avani– Laughing animals are so funny, aren’t they! And thanks for sharing the Youtube links! Laughing babies…it’s hard to find anything more touching and funny at the same time…because you know it’s so genuine. That first one is a favorite of mine…I’ve watched it several times! The second one is new to me…and so fun as well! Laughter Yoga — that’s something Katie is in to as well, and I’m sure she would agree on how it’s a great way to start the day off!
@Audra — This whole concept of laughing clubs, laughter yoga, etc — is all pretty new to me too. Sounds so uplifting, doesn’t it! Laughing to burn calories…I love it! Okay, I’m definitely doing more of this…starting with this Saturday (just a second…I don’t have to wait until Saturday — here’s to today being a good day to laugh AND burn a few calories in the process!). Ridiculous? No way, Audra — I’m convinced!!
@Marelia — Katie over at the Levity Project has a completely awesome idea, doesn’t she! And we are recording it all…video to come shortly…
@Mimi — Hi Mimi. Thanks much, this is going to be fun! And kids…yep, they get it! In fact, just last night at dinner, our youngest and a friend he had over — they started laughing and couldn’t stop for about ten minutes…all so natural! And it did become funny to just see them laughing! Just like a smile…and the change it can solicit in others (and ourselves) just by doing it.
@Sami — Sami…I know you’re with us…your spirit for fun shines through always! Okay, can you see this — I’m holding up a banana (funny, huh?). Hey, it’s a banana, it HAS to be funny! And laughter in those moments when we’re feeling a bit down — it can do wonders, can’t it. When we were on vacation recently, we saw a comedian/author (David Naster) who spoke specifically of this — and has a book along those same lines. So good to hear. And to this thought of the handstand…Sami, I’m thinking it’s time for another Youtube video from you (the world will be better because of it!!). I’m waiting patiently…
@Positively Present — Laughter is great “medicine”. It really does have medicinal benefits, and can lift us up from so much. And the best part…it’s free! Thanks for your support on this!
@J.D. Meier — Yep, let’s go with “laughing with”! Whenever you can get someone to snort some liquid through their nose…that’s laughter success! And maybe…just maybe…it’s time to update that resume!!
@Hilary — Ha! Thanks Hilary!! Laughing just lightens our whole mood, and is such a great place to be in. This is going to be a blast — for kids of all ages!
@Mark — Thanks much, Mark. Laughter just has a way of making us feel better, doesn’t it! And being able to genuinely laugh at ourselves…this is so good. I think it shows that we’re not above ourselves, and that simply — sometimes what we do is pretty dog-gone funny… We shall have fun!!
@Kaushik — This is so great, and it is because it’s also so simple. Just get together and laugh. Katie’s a genius (Katie…if you’re reading this…DON’T let it go to your head!!). And I have heard a bit about laughter yoga — what a great way to release any stress or other built-up negatives within our being.
@Jeanne — A laughter revolution…I’m loving the idea!! Ah…a little reverse psychology on your daughter — awesome idea! And look…it still works today — how cool is that! We are doing a video, adn that will be displayed here and likely also at Katie’s site, and Kim and Jason’s site too. Thanks for supporting us from your place in this world on Saturday — I think the energy of the moment is going to be so awesome!
@Daphne — Hi Daphne. This is going to be so much fun — and you’re right, we may never fully know just how much impact this will have on both those participating, and those who happen to witness this. so powerful thinking about it that way! Thank you, my friend…
@Amanda — Crazy wonderful…what a great combo!! We’ll take you being with us in spirt, Amanda — you’re awesome — thanks so much for your support of this! Okay…about to do a major “rescue from seriousness” for me…Saturday, here we come!
@Lori — Aren’t these animals awesome…their facial expressions just lighten our load! Madison is such a great city for this event. And the farmer’s market is such a great gathering spot on Saturday mornings — it’s a perfect place to cross paths with a whole lot of people. A video will be made, and displayed here eventually. It’s so great to have you here, laughing with us today Lori — thank YOU!!
@Caity — Hi Caity. Spreading a little laughter…kind of like jam on a piece of toast (it adds some spice and color to what might otherwise be kind of bland)! A smile is another great way to spread happiness in our world — so keep on doing that…and who knows…maybe someday that will turn into laughing…crossing paths with the right person, and it surely could!
@Tim — Hi Tim. Madison is a very cool city! And yes — they sure do still have Rocky’s there. In fact they have it where we live too. The one we stop at in Madison, though, is big and fun! Our kids, especially, love the place! I’ve been hearing a lot about laughter yoga…hmm…is that a sign?? And so good to hear you liked Brandi’s post too — so wild that laughter is what she’s talking about this week! Wild, and way awesome! And humor, however it works for each of us — is a very cool thing! Thanks much, Tim!
@Zeenat — The pictures here are pretty funny, aren’t they — so good to hear they made you laugh (mission accomplished!). Thanks much, Zeenat. This is going to be so much fun!
@Evelyn — Laughter as therapy…such a great idea. Because it really is very therapeutic. When I think about times I’ve laughed, I also think about how it lifts my spirit. And that’s a really awesome benefit of something that’s just plain fun to do! Thanks much for the well wishes with this, Evelyn!
I’ve often said, “Laughing is my favorite thing to do.” I’m still not sure why humans do it, but it sure feels right. I’d love to be involved in a “laugh-up,” that sounds like a great idea. Haha!!
.-= David Cain´s Last Fabulous Post ..Seek Professional Help =-.
Good Morning Lance! I’m still laughing at the photos on this post. I am also wondering why a hippo bothers having any teeth at all? Those can’t do that much but get in the way!
What makes me laugh? Usually funny things make me laugh.….yes, funny things. Sad things really don’t but funny things, they are humorous and then I laugh. Sometimes I laugh really hard and have to run to the bathroom because I’ve had two big babies and might have an accident. It’s usually unexpected things that make me laugh or unusual things. I laugh a lot at sarcasm too. Not only do I laugh at sarcasm but I love being sarcastic myself. Can you tell?
That first pic certainly did make me laugh out loud.
.-= JennyMac´s Last Fabulous Post ..Name Dropper =-.
I’m too far away to attend this event, but I think it’s a brilliant idea. Why not promote basic things like laughing and thinking. This is wonderful!
.-= Melissa Donovan´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Be More Creative =-.
Laughter is timeless medicine that heals anything that you perceive to be ailing you.
.-= Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to make something out of nothing? =-.
@David — Yes, laughing sure does feel right! And good. And I’ll be letting everyone know how it goes, right here — once this complete. It’s going to be fun to connect up with some other very awesome people (Kim and Jason!) and do this as a big group!
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. Aren’t these laughing animals so cool! Ha! Of course, who’d have thunk it — funny things make you laugh!! So, here’s to all the different kinds of humor out there…including that sarcastic kind!
@JennyMac — That donkey photo is so funny, isn’t it!
@Melissa — My thoughts exactly…brilliance! And that’s my friend Katie!! That I, along with Kim and Jason, get to help spread this awesome concept — that’s just so, so cool! Things people don’t do enough of, right — like laughing and thinking. Thanks much Melissa.
@Liara — That’s it, Liara…laughter is like a super-medicine…able to cure so much. Makes you want to laugh more, doesn’t it!
By the end of this post, I was laughing. At first, it was especially funny since you were meeting outside a museum. Then, I went back and read that it was a veteran’s museum — that didn’t just make me laugh. It made me SMILE! This sounds like such a great idea. I could totally do it!
.-= JenX´s Last Fabulous Post ..parenting a tween =-.
Hi Lance. A lot has been making me laugh lately. I’ve just been in a real good mood and it comes more naturally. There are a couple of favourite tv shows I watch that ALWAYS make me laugh: Whose Line Is It Anyway and Two and A Half Men. Laughing is the best! Our lives would be pretty empty without it.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..Laziness is Like What? =-.
Hi Lance! Oh this is so up my alley I’d be there for sure if it weren’t so far! (I drove home today 6 hrs and it will take me a few days to get re-acclimated to being here — 3 hours one way to Madison Sat. ends up being 6 hrs and I turned in my Road Warrior to the valet in my garage!) Well I laugh daily, mostly at myself, but its all good. I know I slam monkey-mind for a lot of BAD stuff but it really has quite the silly side!
Have a GREAT giggle-fest, record it for all of us — I promise to laugh here in Naperville at 11! And I’ll see if I can find a laughing video for my blog in your honor this weekend! Hugs! suZen
.-= suzen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Goggle Giggles =-.
Sweet idea Lance! Laughing is awesome, whether I’m in the vicinity of something utterly hilarious or not. I checked out the video at the Levity Project of the event. As you can expect, it was really funny. They were just laughing in the streets! I wish they had something like that where I live.
Kim, Jason, and Lance — Good luck with the event!
.-= John´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Top 10 Things to Do When Going After Your Desires =-.
Lance, I think this is just so great that you (and others) are doing this. Doing something to bring about social change and to lighten people’s days. You are being the change you want to see in the world. You are encouraging others. It’s just so great.
Laughter is such a powerful thing. One of my favorite things I’ve seen with laughter is with my niece and brother-in-law. When my niece get’s upset about something my brother-in-law goes and “attacks” her with “fun-ness” and makes her start laughing. It instantly changes the upset mode to one of fun. It works almost every time. My niece is now five, but he has done this for as long as I remember with her. I love to witness it.
What makes me laugh? My old youth minister.… You just have to know him. He’s PURE Sanguine and nothing embarrasses him, but he loves embarrassing others. What’s most funny is when he doesn’t try to be funny, but he just is. It always does my soul good to be around him even though he’s quiet irresponsible. Oh could I tell you some funny stories!!!!! It always lifts me up to be around him.
In general, people who don’t get embarrassed and are willing to just do crazy things make me laugh. Let’s see.… I’m envisioning this picture of Lance now wearing a dress and lipstick. Yeah, that definitely makes me laugh!!!
Have a blast tomorrow lifting people up!!!
.-= Jennifer´s Last Fabulous Post ..Success or Failure? =-.
This is FANTASTIC Lance, I just love it. I wish I was there to get involved. My husband also. We LOVE laughter. In 15 minutes in the car together (when I run him to work) we laugh our heads off. I don’t know if it would make sense to anyone else, as it has no point at all. It’s just goofiness. We are like two kids just trying to make each other laugh.
I was driving him to work the other day and I had to come to a four way stop with cars at each cross section and as I approached he unexpectedly leaned forward toward the windshield and started to dramatically wave his arms like we were going to crash and all the people in the other cars started to laugh. I mean really laugh. I was both laughing my head off and embarrassed (in a delightful way) and everybody sat in their cars all laughing and watching my husband. It was just one of those moments that changed everyone’s morning. Finally we waved and they all let us go first. That was truly one of life’s GRAND moments. I certainly won’t forget it. LOL!!
) Oh dear lance, you are such a joy. Never EVER lose your love of life, your love of laughter and play. So few adults retain it. Most adults get way too serious. I refuse to. It would be the death of me. It doens’t mean I can’t be serious with the best of them when the situation calls for it, but we MUST laugh.…always, every moment we can.
Also did you know that India actually has close to 100 laughing clubs that meet every morning just to laugh before going to work. I used to teach sound and voice and used laughter a lot in my work. Thank you for simply making me happy this AM. I wish you could see me sitting here grinning my face off. Thank you dear Lance for just being YOU.
.-= Robin Easton´s Last Fabulous Post ..Can You Slow Down? =-.
@JenX — Hi Jen. Smiling AND laughing — that’s a pretty great combination! It’s going to be fun, and if nothing else — I’m going to feel really good from all that laughing…
@Davina — Hi Davina. Funny tv shows, funny in real life, fun…it’s all good! And laughing is a great way to celebrate funny!
@Suzen — We will have a great time laughing! And I’ll pause for just a second…and listen closely…laugh loudly…and I might just hear you. For sure I’ll feel your energy with us! Woohoo!!
@John — Laughing is so good whenever you can get it in! Yes, the video Katie has created is so fun! We’re ready for this! Bringing the laughs!! Thanks much, John!
@Jennifer — Hey Jennifer! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. And thank you for sharing these personal stories of yours. It’s hard to remain upset when your enveloped in fun! Your brother-in-law has got it figured out! And sometimes the funniest things are when someone doesn’t even realize they’re being funny — very cool! Okay, the “laugh flash” will NOT include any lipstick or dresses (at least not by me)…however…there looks to be something “odd” showing up on my head…hmmm… Okay, bring on tomorrow…we’re ready!
@Robin Easton — Hi Robin! Thanks so much. And thank you for sharing the story of you and your husband — what a way to bring some levity into that moment! I love it!! I’ve been known to smash my face up against the car window as my wife goes around a corner — way fun! And until I wrote this post, I didn’t realize the extent to which India focuses on laughter…and that’s such a good thing. Have a great weekend, Robin. And you can count on me to be “out there” laughing with the world!
Thanks for this — and I’d add that laughing in public is a great exercise for moving through shame we might feel about self-expression. I’ve had life-changing experiences getting on a train with a couple of people and laughing together and making eye contact with staring passengers. Actually, most people paid no attention at all — probably for fear that I would mug them.
Hi Lance .. those nostrils peering at me over the edge of the screen on which they rest, then the half closed eyes fascetiously scrutinising me, ears back waiting for my questionably sarcastic comment — the whole face saying .. don’t, I don’t need to see, nor do I need to hear .. you are the ass — not me?!
Love it .. so good to see ‘it’ again and again.
have a good weekend — Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Safari here, or Safari there .…? =-.
Hi Lance,
After hearing your interview, I knew you were going to do this. And now, looking at the clock I can see it’s just hours away. How fun.
Laughter definitely is great medicine. I remember reading that people who undergo surgery heal faster when they watch funny movies and/or spend more time laughing during their recovery period.
Have a great time at your gathering. Hopefully you’ll share your experience with us.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Bloggers — Defining What We Are =-.
Hi Lance!
Have FUN today!!! (You too, Katie!) Oh, how I wish I could be there!
As for the photos — who says animals don’t laugh! They look like they’re laughing to me!
.-= Amy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Hump Day Hero #15 — Katie West of The Levity Project =-.
WOW! This pictures are hilarious. laugher is medicine to the soul! Thanks
Wonderful post. Too many people take life too serious including me sometimes. If we all just laughed at the situations we were in sometimes, life would go by much more smoothly.
.-= Tim | Inspiration Central´s Last Fabulous Post ..Don’t Work Too Hard Trying to Serve Others =-.
This entire post made me laugh with joy!
@Chris Edgar — Right on! As we were doing this, it felt a bit awkward. And then it just felt good! More laughter…that’s a good thing! Thanks Chris, for sharing.
@Hilary — Ah, yes, what we can use our imagination for, and for what these animals are doing. Good fun!
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. Yes, this ended up being so much fun (and more coming soon in a post about it all). And healing faster because of laughter…I think that’s some pretty great evidence right there as to the power of laughter!
@Amy — We had a blast, thanks so much Amy!! More coming once we get everything put together. And yep, those animals sure do look to be laughing!
@She-Fit — I saw these pictures and instantly knew I wanted to include them, they were so much fun! Thanks for stopping by today.
@Tim | Inspiration Central — Yes, I agree about life and it being taken too seriously. And I too fall victim to that., as well. Laughing just makes life a bit more uplifting…and that’s so, so good for us.
@Tabitha — Hi Tabitha! So glad to hear you found joy and happiness in this post!
You did make me laugh out loud! Even though I’m reading this after the laughing fest I’m pretty sure we were laughing yesterday as it was my husband’s birthday and we had a gathering.
.-= Lisa’s Chaos´s Last Fabulous Post ..Obviously written by a man =-.
I hope it went well for you and the Laugh It Up team! Such a great idea filled with positive energy.…can’t wait to hear more!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
.-= Erin Prais-Hintz´s Last Fabulous Post ..J’Adore…le Cirque! =-.
Oh that must’ve been soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo fun!! When’s the next one??
.-= Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Post-Vacation Contemplation =-.
@Lisa’s Chaos — And laughing’s a great thing, isn’t it Lisa! A happy belated birthday to your husband!
@Erin — Erin, it was such a wonderful day! So much fun to spread some joy into the streets of Madison! More coming soon…
@Jannie — It was a blast! The next one? Well…nothing planned for me, right now. I do know that Katie West, the crazy wonderful organizer of this, has something she’s planning for September.… Super fun stuff, I’m telling you!!