“LAUGH AND THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU, WEEP AND YOU WEEP ALONE.”

The above proverb has its origin in Ella Wheeler’s poem ‘SOLITUDE’ (1883). An American novelist STANLEY GORDEN WEST gives a slight variation to it in his novel ‘GROWING AN INCH” by saying “SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU, CRY AND YOU CRY ALONE.”

Whatsoever!

Our life experiences teach us that people converge around a person who has a cheerful nature and shun the one who is a sob storyteller. When you are having good times people will enjoy your company, laugh at your jokes and even try to flatter you. You would be in great demand in get-togethers if you can narrate humorous incidents or satirize people in subtle ways.

This reminds me of Alexander Pope’s mock-epic poem “THE RAPE OF THE LOCK” which lampoons British aristocracy and high society and the hypocrisies of those days.  Its enjoyable reading makes you chuckle off and on.

Coming back to our theme of people liking your company when your life is in the ascendancy and deserting you in adversity is common indeed. We console ourselves by uttering these oft-quoted clichés like ‘this is the way of the world’ or ‘life is like that’.  Yet it is painful no less to be left alone when facing misfortune or bad times. Such an outlook only reflects our selfishness and insensitivity to sufferings of others. It is, of course, a sad state of human bonding. Is it so fake and fickle? How easily one forgets the fact, that hardships can come about on anybody without notice! Maybe serious introspection to analyze our behavior Vis Vis others in trouble can lead to some changes in our attitude.

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On the other hand, we cannot overlook the established facts that laughter is immensely advantageous to our overall wellbeing. It reduces stress hormones, stabilizes blood pressure, and unlocks the dormancy of our system.

   

                   “He who laughs, lasts!”       Mary Pattibone Poole

Laughter triggers the release of body's natural feel-good chemical endorphins, which results in the creation of optimism in our lives. It boosts our moods and brings enthusiasm and zest for productive living.

A good laugh opens up blood vessels and improves blood flow keeping our cardiovascular system healthy. Thus promoting longevity.

It diffuses tense situations and conflicts and improves relationships. One tends to forget all worrisome situations while surrendering to the act of laughter.

Laughter touches our soul by blowing away all negative emotions.

It is a magical medicine, which is fun, free and forever available.

It exercises the body, burns calories and helps in weight loss.

When we were children, we would laugh in guffaws but as adults, we shy away from laughing even when the situation is funny. Sad indeed!

Let’s indulge in genuine laughter in our daily encounters with life.  This wonderful but short journey of ours is replete with precious hilarious moments too. We have to do it for our mental, emotional and physical wellness.

Friends welcome here as always! 


Linking to:
 ABC Wednesday
Nature Notes 

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