A simple search for a video of a baby’s or a child’s laugh on a popular website will result in tens of thousands of clips, some with over 20 million hits. A child’s laugh is captivating, infectious and it makes us laugh. And when we do, it feels good. Children, or at least most of them thank goodness, laugh freely, easily and genuinely. The kind of raw laugh that comes deep from the gut, one you could not stop even if you so wanted. The kind of laugh that is not yet restrained by the self-conscious attempts of its producer to reduce the conspicuous - ness of it, a “skill” learned only later in life. (PLEASE CLICK ON THE TITLE ABOVE TO CONTINUE READING.)
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But why does it feel so good to laugh? There is a lot of research on the physiological event of a laugh, how it releases tension, calms stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation and helps us to cope in difficult or trying situations. Laughing can be a therapeutic outlet. But a true understanding of its effects on one’s emotional wellbeing is largely elusive. Laughter is a response to stimuli that affects the brain in interesting and very complex ways, so complex in fact that it may not be understood, or even traceable. And that’s OK with me – I’m willing to accept it as a mystery, one of the few that remains, and an enjoyable one at that.
Recently I found myself declaring “I love your giggle” in response to moments where I enjoyed a spontaneous giggle, the kind of giggle that stirs the soul, lights up a face and puts a sparkle in the eyes. The kind of giggle that is pure. So, while humor patterns and what people find funny may not be completely understood, it is recognized that humor and the enjoyment of laughing permit the expression of ideas or feelings between people that might otherwise be difficult or awkward to express. I have always felt a special connection to another when a well-timed comment, creative use of word play, a witty double entendre, a twist of phrase, or an observation about the incongruities of life is met with a genuine, heartfelt giggle or laughter, especially when another person immediately sees and appreciates the humor as it was intended. Admittedly sometimes it turns out to be funny only because of the sheer unexpected - ness coming from me! It was Freud who noted that “when humans laugh, we experience pleasure that usually culminates in a predictable physical response coupled with a sense of openness to discus - sion or interaction”. Research in this area is clear - humor promotes rapport and a sense of shared insight. Humor, in this regard can facilitate learning, too. Teachers and parents take special note! There is an expression used by public speakers that goes something like – “if they’re laughing, they just might be listening”. My experience tells me this is true. To be fair, there are types of laughter and humor that are best avoided. These inopportune situations include attempts at humor that are hurtful or demeaning, cynical or sarcastic, or that reinforce stereotypes, biases or cultural misconceptions, or that which are directed at someone who simply does not wish to participate. If you are smart enough to create humor, then you are smart enough to know when it risks being hurtful to others and refrain. I’m no Robin Williams (no one can be) but in those moments when I can make someone laugh and experience a giggle and the special connection that follows, it’s an extraordinary feeling and it makes me smile. |