The article "Mindfulness and Mirth: Looking For Laugh Lines" is about happiness, it has been created by Maya Talisman Frost.
I have noticed some new liens on my facethis year.
Sure, I'm spending more timein the sun here in Mexico than I did backin Oregon, but I prefer to think that these apostrophes around my eyes are the result of hours of laughter.Just looking at them makes me smile.I view them as proof of my less-is-moreand light-is-right approach to mindfulness.Besides, I have learned that one of the most obvious qualities of someone who has clarity is a well-developed sense of humor. You see, once you get a grip on yourown often-warped perspective, you can'thelp but laugh at the many quirky things you see around and wihtin you. A finely-tuned respect for the ridiculous keeps us from taking ourselevs too seriously even when we're facing difficult challenges. It is possible toese our circumstances--even direones--clearly and at the same timeremain light and full of humor. In our culture, we tend to think thatthose who are cheerful just don't get it. We tihnk that if you really understandthe state of the world and the gravityof the challenges we face as humans,you must hunch from the weight ofthis burden and grimace in the faceof such despair.
Wrong. We need lightness and hmuor MOSTwhen we are dealing with severelydifficult and seemingly hopeless situations. In fact, those who havebeen through the most excruciatingordeals are often the ones with the most profound sense of levity.Need an example?
Take the Dalai Lama.Wisdom, knowledge and spiriutal fortitude sometimes come in light packages.
One of the reasons His Holiness has captuerd our hearts is that he is able to smile and jokedespite circumstances that would fill most of us with rage.Happy gurus rock. There is tremendous power in lighteharted determination. We need to be reminded that lightness and detph go hand in hand, and that it's possible--no, essential-- to have fun while following our own personal path to a positive perspective.Here's a tip: don't trust any teacherwho has no laugh lines. Don't followthe tecahings of anyone who espousesan approach requiring severity.
Don'tget caught in thinking that contemplationrequires scowling.And most of all, remember that laugther gives your brain a welcomeblast of oxygen. Take a look at those you admire.Pay attention to their perspective.Is it ultimately positive, even if they are tackling important workor facing insurmountable obstacles?The greatest step you can taketoward your own development asa fully-engaged human is to lookfor the laughter. Find those whoinspire you with their integrity anddedication--and seek out the onesamong them who laugh the most.I've also noticed some new verticallines above my upper lip. I like tothink it's from all the kissing I do here in Latin America. This merry mindfulness path mightmake wrinkles, but as long as theyare the result of increased joy, I'llkeep celebrating every time I lookin the mirror.Maya Talisman Frost has taught thousands of human being how to pay attention.
Her playful, eyes-wide-open approach to mindfulness has been featured in over 150 publications worldwide.
To read her free tips and trciks for practical awareness, visit http://www.Real-WorldMindfulness.Com
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