One client, who I offered this exercise to in a period of her life where she was feeling overwhelmed and numb, shared the exercise with her four year old son. The two of them would joyfully engage with it every day. Then a week or so later, she found her son with their infant daughter, both giggling. When she approached, he said “Look mom! I’m teaching her the Laughing Game!”
To play the laughing game, simply set a timer for two minutes and then for the entire duration shake your body and make yourself laugh. It’s totally fine to fake laughter, although you might notice that the silliness of the whole thing breaks you into some authentic laughter too. If you like, invite a friend or family member to join in with you… children are especially game, but doing this with another adult can be a sweet bonding experience too. If you want to laugh alongside me, you can do the a one minute version of this exercise with this video:
https://vimeo.com/418233332/bce233959d
If you are willing, hit record, either audio or video, for at least some of your laughing exercise, and share it with your pod to inspire us. Laughing is contagious!
Meditation Practice:
Get in an upright, supported position and follow your breath and/or prayer repetition for five minutes (or longer). When you notice thoughts, compassionately return to your focus.
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