The joy and healing power of Laughter

This is my Laughing Buddha statue. I cannot keep a straight face when I look at him, always happy, always content. Indeed that is what this figure represents: many teachings, including contentment, generosity, wisdom and open kindheartedness.

The sound of laughter is often contagious, it transcends cultural, language and age boundaries. It can be so therapeutic that there is even a kind of yoga called "Laughter Yoga" :o) "People practicing Laughter Yoga regularly report amazing improvement in their health as well as a more positive mental attitude and higher energy levels. The first thing participants say is that they don't fall sick very often; the frequency of normal cold and flu reduces or even disappears. There are daily reports of partial or total cure of most stress-related illnesses like hypertension, heart disease, depression, asthma, arthritis, allergies, stiff muscles and more." (laughteryoga.org) ... all through the sound and vibration of laughter :oD