Laughter as Medicine

Years ago while working in a hospital's pain management facility as a massage therapist, a woman came to see me whom I'll refer to as PJ. 

The moment I began to work with PJ I knew there was something amiss, due to the presence of tears and unusually high anxiety.  Not easy to miss. 

So began an unusual relationship.  Within a few minutes it was obvious that PJ was very disturbed and unhappy.  Relationships.  What else?  She considered herself too old to do anything about her situation (late 60's, early 70's).  Doomed and Scrooged. 

I reminded her of Scrooge who thought he was too old to change.  She didn't get the anology.  I could tell she was borderline indifferent, a state of mind one may move into at any time that is the opposite of love, letting nothing in that is positive and closing the heart forever, thereby entering into a state of mind that is extremely difficult to get out of.  I knew I had to do something.

I remembered words of wisdom from Grandmother Pa'Ris'Ha during my time with her.  She always said, "As a medicine person you will have to do anything it takes to bring balance to a situation.  If you don't know what to do, call on me and just get out of the way."

I called out to Grandmother Pa'Ris'Ha and all the Grandmothers and Grandfathers to help this woman.  Then I just got out of the way.

I found myself saying something shocking to PJ.  I couldn't believe that I'd said it, but I did.  I only know it was way dirty and it even shocked me but I can't remember what it was.  Anyway, PJ's reaction, being totally shocked, was to laugh.  So I said something even more shocking.  Honestly, now, I don't even remember what I had said to her.  The whole conversation was a blur and I couldn't tell you later what it was that I'd said to her, not even minutes after I'd said it.  That is how spirit works when you get out of the way.

I was on a roll.  Shocking epithets issuing forth as though someone had turned on a faucet.  Within moments, PJ was transformed.  She was roaring with laughter!  For the next 45 minutes, PJ rocked and rolled on my table with laughter.  It never occurred to me that people may be in the outer office wondering what was going on inside my room.  PJ and I were having a ball.  She was now crying tears of joy whereas she came in all miserable and sad. 

Laughter heals the soul.  It had been a long while since PJ had laughed.  The sadness and the weight of the world, she carried.  The joy and the longing for love, she missed.  Her heart was heavy with dread because she kept looking back at what life had been.  Instead of looking forward to what life can be.  Many people look backward and it never is a benefit to do so.  You can drive yourself crazy looking back.  It is always better to look ahead.

I gave PJ the name of a counselor and her card to make sure she wouldn't forget.  PJ said she'd definitely go to see her and she made another appointment with me because she loved the whole session and also the massage.  She said she felt better than she had in years but she knew she had a long way to go.  Each time PJ came in she would laugh and laugh.  She came back for awhile and then I didn't see her again.

Later, I spoke to her counselor, there at the hospital.  I asked how PJ was doing and the counselor said she was coming along but she always cried.  "Hard Case".  I told her of my time with PJ and how I could get her laughing.  She just looked at me, incredulous.  "YOU GET HER LAUGHING???  How do you do that?"

All I could say was, "I don't know.....I just call on spirit and get out of the way."

Like Children & Puppies

Having both grandchildren and puppies you can't help but notice similarities in behavior such as all of them learn by having fun.  Try teaching one of them anything without the fun involved and you can lose them instantly.

Growing up in a family of 9 meant rigid discipline had to be establised otherwise we would have never been able to find anything.  However, along with the discipline and work (it was said you could eat off my mom's floors, they were so clean), we always had time to laugh and play.

My oldest brother, Ralph, was the alpha comedian.  I say 'alpha' because our younger brothers, Joe and Chris, were also comedians although Ralph had everyone beat so we considered him the alpha.

When Ralph began his comedic rants he would entertain until we were rolling on the floor, choking, with tears flowing down our cheeks.  I always thought he should be on stage and would tell him so, adding that there was one leaving in 30 minutes.

The point is, we all got along and still do, with lots of fun, laughter, support and a whole lot of entertainment value.  That has boiled down to a whole lot of love that we have passed down to our children, who are now passing that love down to their children who know that we all want the best for them but whatever they choose to be or do in life is their choice and although we may not understand their choices, we'll support them and help out whenever they ask and always be there for them.  To date, we haven't had any drugs or other substance issues and all seem to be free from depression or any emotional or spiritual or physical issues either.  I believe it's because we have taught with loving discipline along with fun and lots of playfulness.

And so, my life in general has been filled with love and laughter, barring a few unfortunate challenges that have made a few dents.  Dents are not bottomless pits, however.  Whatever happens in life, having a strong spirit helps.  And a whole lot of attitude and gratefulness.  I am grateful to have so much love and laughter in this lifetime. 

The love and laughter extended to my friendships and into my spiritual life when I met Grandmother PaRisHa.  Her love and devotion to her students transcended any relationship I've ever had with a spiritual guide and mentor.  She taught with strict discipline but infused it with lots of laughter and so much love.  There was no better way to learn the way and walk of beauty.  When we began to learn we were as little children and puppies:  capable of soaking up spiritual lessons like dry sponges waiting for water.  She had an ocean of principles and experiences to pass on and we couldn't seem to get enough of the waters of life that flowed from her deep well of wisdom.

So now it's our turn to nurture and bring lifegiving water from which to drink.  As Grandmother PaRisHa would begin a teaching, the thunder, lightening and rain would come and we would gather 'round Grandmother as she would begin to teach us.  In a playful spirit she would bring us closer to her to learn the ancient wisdoms with the words, " Come my beloved children and let me tell you a beautiful story".  Our lives would never be the same.