Laughter as good medicine
Tender Heart Care Bear
Stories of Somatic Transformation #4
.Recently, I facilitated the final session of my pilot somatic group for people with chronic illness. After learning that I own a Tender Heart care bear costume, the group members asked me to wear it on the last day. I rarely turn down an opportunity to be silly or wear funny outfits, so I donned the costume and a feather boa for extra spirit. Shortly before group, I felt nauseated and disoriented as part of the symptoms of my on-going journey with chronic daily migraine, which show up whether or not I have something important to do. I crawled under a blanket fully in my costume with my dog and my barf bag and cried over how ill I felt until eventually I started laughing at the ridiculousness of this image. Over the years, I have laughed at many unfortunate moments in my illness as well as at random funny media, jokes, and stories. I laugh at my dog standing on me barking for attention when I’m in pain and all I need is quiet. I smile at silly Instagram pics of dogs dressed in fun outfits.
I have sometimes wondered if laughing at myself or at all in the middle of suffering might demonstrate a lack of self-compassion or prevent me from being with the grief and anger I also feel. Laughter may not feel appropriate or possible amidst significant losses or injustices, and I am not recommending that anyone force humor to be disembodied or checked out in the face of anguish. For me, during the smaller day to day experiences of illness, pain, and challenge, I can place a hand on my own heart and say with kindness, ‘It’s so hard to be in this pain” and then also have space for humor, whether I’m laughing at my own predicament or something else.
Laughter has made me more resilient, or able to move through and bounce back from difficulties, more embodied, and connected with myself and others. And laughing with others in groups feels even more powerful. Smiling and laughing out loud relaxes my whole body, prompts my breath to deepen, broadens my awareness of my surroundings, evokes a warm, pleasant pressure in my chest, and sometimes even reduces physical pain. This shift in sensation and energy then creates greater possibility of supporting the healing from suffering in myself and others, including at the level of collective injustice and trauma. I am simply more energized to be with whatever arises in myself and others.
I invite you to bring into your awareness something – a memory, person, favorite joke, etc - that makes you laugh. Perhaps enjoy the cartoon above for inspiration. What are the sensations in your face, torso, legs that accompany laughter? Even if it feels a little awkward, try laughing spontaneously right now and see what happens. Do you feel warmer or cooler anywhere? Is there tingling or buzzing? Could this be good medicine for you at this time?
Accessing laughter, gratitude, and all the sensations of the body is part of Somatic coaching. The word Soma means body or being, and Somatics helps us access the wisdom of the body in our efforts to grow and change. If you are interested in Somatic transformation work, sign up for my newsletter below or book a free consult with me today.
