Genuine Laughter

My daughter laughed so hard today that she could barely stand. It filled her lungs and practically cascaded out of every pore in a celestial song. Her face lit up. Her rosy cheeks formed pleasant apples that must have ached in their exaggerated position as her mouth opened wide. Her head tipped back. Her legs teetered.

My daughter's laughter is like a refreshing breeze carrying away stress. It is like a fountain of youth splashing our spirits with the nectar of vitality and bliss. Her laughter is rich because it is an honest, indulgent laugh. Not something provoked by insecure feelings of what she should do, or something forced in order to get attention. It is a genuine, spontaneous impulse that bursts forth with great delight. Delight to her and to her enthralled audience.

A toddler's merriment is so simple and sincere. It isn't clouded by fear and judgement. It isn't as hard to pull out, as it isn't trying to break through entrenched walls and fortified chains. Most of us lose the ability at some point. We lose that penchant for elation. We deem it as unnecessary or inappropriate. Or even inconvenient. And we shut it down. The more we ignore it, the less it is willing to step out and brandish its exuberant expression. Laughter frequently rejected does not come forth.

It is so true that laughter is the best medicine. It brings with it a salve for the wounded heart. A hug for the overwrought mind. A caress for the tensed psyche. But medicine does nothing if not applied or consumed. The laugh will heal more completely the deeper it reaches into our marrow.

My daughter's laughter reminds me that relationships are important. It reminds me to let go of what is inconsequential (this applies to more than we believe it does in the moment). It reminds me to forgive what I cannot change. It reminds me to part with sorrow and its stifling grasp. It reminds me that we were created for wonder and festivity and curiosity and love.

Get in touch with your inner child. Let him or her remind you of the days you felt truly free. Let that freedom encompass all of you in a way that will prolong your peace instead of just a momentary blink into its restoration. Give yourself permission to be there. To live there. Regardless of your pains and sorrows. In spite of your anguish or frustration. A peaceful, happy person doesn't have it better than one who negatively ruminates and holds bitterness. They may even have identical setbacks, but they deal with it better. They can laugh at the face if adversity. They can access our hard-wired, easily acceptable, free antidote. Laughter.

It is most definitely possible. It is natural. Just look at the children. And pray that they won't forget.