the zen of laughing aloud

Filed Under Society |

by Rick London

The most sensual and visual animal is known as the human. We react to what we see. And to a lesser degree, we are auditory. Sounds can cause a reaction too, and the combination of them can change our lives. But even one of the other can do the same, if, it changes our perception of things. Especially in the realm of humor.

So what does all this have to do with zen and funny things we love to see?

We love to laugh because of the great feeling it gives us, and there is a good reason for that. Many eastern philosophers and yoga experts believe that the laughing chakra is in the same area as the sex chakra. The lesson here is to use them wisely and not at the same time. In other words this could be very upsetting to a soul-mate unless you can tactfully explain that your laughter chakra short-circuited during lovemaking. Stranger things have happened I guess. One caveat: If you are the female partner and should this happen to you, please respond, without missing a beat, the predictable compliment/lie “But size doesn’t matter, it is what you do with it.” Okay, maybe not take it that far, ladies, just be gentle with us.

Though men never buy this line, it feels better, and it lets you off the hook.

But back to cartoons. Cartoons are truly nothing more than a small piece of art, hopefully humorous, that tell a much longer story, using what I like to call “extreme editing”. Though we call ourselves writers, we truly are more editors than writers. Yes, we can write, and, though a cartoon may not have any caption or “word bubble” at all, generally some text is added to “drive the point home” Most cartoonists are instinctively aware, though, that if it can be done with no wording, a picture only, that is a triple bonus to the psyche, and, when we can occasionally do that, we get complimented way beyond our actual talents. But that’s ok. It’s good for the ego.

Comedians, cartoonists, actors artists and others impace our society greatly, we often think of them as “bigger than life”. I can assure you, being one, we are just like everyone else. We just don’t crave the limelight; but the limelight craves us, it appears. This fascinates people. When you mention names like Charles Schulz or Gary Larson, some wonder if they are even in the same species. They are. Most of us love people in general and love to make them feel good.

So zen happens. Especially with humor (and sex) and it all starts in that silly chakra. Always keep that chakra open, as, as long as there is life, there will be humor. And as long as there will be humor, there will be people who will utilize it to make us feel better about ourselves, whether alone or with a mate.

About the Author:

The Internet’s top offbeat cartoonist, Rick London has discovered that laughter and sex are related. They come from similar chakra points. To make your chakra points feel good click here for Londons Times Cartoons