Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist at Oxford, has conducted a series of studies that strongly suggest that the physical act of laughing increases the release of endorphins into our bodies. The endorphins produced by our brains make us feel good. Previous studies have shown that focusing on positive thoughts and things for which we give thanks when we awaken in the morning pushes endorphins into our systems and helps us to begin the day with a brighter outlook. Now we also have evidence that laughter makes us feel better. A good laugh will not make diseases disappear, solve the global financial situation, or keep us from worrying about our children (or aging parents), but it can give us more peace of mind as we respond to those and other challenges.
Dr. Dunbar's tests also indicated that laughter increases our ability to resist pain. Laughing will not keep it from hurting when we smash our hand with a hammer, but developing and feeding a healthy sense of humor may help to deal with chronic discomfort or to relax and give bodies a better chance to heal.
Speech coaches and homileticians have known for years that humor helps people to hear the messages speakers deliver. I personally loathe preachers who consider themselves stand-up comedians and waste precious time in worship trying to amuse us. Yet, I am very aware that when we can laugh at ourselves, we become more amenable to change. When a preacher points to the humor inherent in the human situation, we see the truth more clearly and scoff at the foolishness of our excuses.
I am also convinced that when a person lives a good life, it is very appropriate to share laughter along with our tears during memorial and funeral services. Life is good. It hurts when someone we love dies, but appreciating the foibles and idiosyncrasies that made a departed saint unique lays a solid foundation not only for laughter but for giving thanks to God for that saint's life.
No one truly benefits when we have a good laugh at the expense of others; but when we laugh together, chuckle at the lameness of what we initially deemed good ideas, or see the humor of our limitations, we admit our need of reformation, acknowledge the humanity we share, and have a greater opportunity to remain appropriately humble. God knows our culture and society could use more humility.
I do not want to encourage us not to take life and faith seriously. The nearly one billion hungry people in the world, the partisan bickering among politicians and our present economic situation deserve serious thought and prayer. Nor do I suggest that we jettison our favorite news programs and documentaries and sate ourselves on a steady diet of situation comedies and joke books. The point is that life is good and comedy is woven even into tragedy. We've always enjoyed laughing. Now we know it's good for us. That's good news!
Grace and Peace,
LP
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