Laugh it up!

It's the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, where everything looks and feels drab, gray, and stagnant. Fortunately we can bring light and flow to our inner ecosystems with the most natural practice of all, laughing.

According to the very serious Mayo Clinic, laughing improves our immune response, increases endorphins, releases stress, and has many other physical and emotional benefits. It's not easy to laugh on command, and humor is personal and particular, but you can always fake it 'til you make it with the age-old practice of laughter meditation.

I first tried laughing meditation with my beloved teacher Melissa as part of a Kundalini Yoga practice. It started out terribly awkward, but then once everyone was fake laughing it became genuinely hilarious and real belly laughs took over. The Chopra Center gives some instructions for giving it a try at home.

Have two minutes and looking to lighten up? Here's a clip that cracks up my whole family. In a pinch, YouTube has a treasure trove of favorite shows, movies, and comedy clips.

If you or someone you love could use additional help making it through the winter doldrums, please be in touch or share my information. In the meantime, may the Schwartz be with you!