On laughter.

“Laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from some sudden conception of some eminency in ourselves, by comparison with the infirmity of others, or with our own formerly. ” – Thomas Hobbes

Sometimes it feels as if our world is only filled with anger, hate, and violence. It’s normal to think this considering what we consistently read in the news and are exposed to through the media. This negativity can make us feel frustrated, stressed, and overwhelmed. What we all need is a little more laughter in our lives. We are only on this planet for a finite amount of time, so why spend it angry and sad when you can smile and be happy and thankful for all the things that are truly beautiful? I too get caught up in this cycle of negativity, that’s what it’s important to smile and find joy in the little things in life.

When I was in my undergraduate I took a course in clown doctoring (yes, that was a course, and yes it was as awesome as it sounds) and I still remember what I learned about the numerous benefits laughter and humour have on individuals. Laughter has many physiological effects such as longevity, reduction in pain, enhancement of relaxation responses, improvement in immunity, and improvement in blood and lymph flow. In addition, laughter has many psychological effects, such as improvement in mood, reduction in anxiety, ability to cope with terminal illnesses, and is positively associated with creativity, self esteem, and emotional stability (Hassad). It’s not just biological, but social too. When we share smiles and laughter, we can build as a community and bond with each other. Making others laugh creates the sense of being liked, and the pleasure of laughter is multiplied when shared. Humour also builds therapeutic relationships, and relieves tension, and protects dignity and self worth (Dean).

The benefits of laughter are plentiful. By lessening feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration, laughing provides an emotional catharsis. Inner tensions dissolve and you are able to let your mind be free from constraints when you are willing to let yourself laugh. Whether it is doing something silly yourself, or watching or hearing others, humour can really be the best form of medicine.

Since January I have dedicated my spare time to a local theatre group’s production of the Tony Award winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (though I do not portray either of those characters in the play). I play Cassandra, a free-spirited clairvoyant house maid, which has been a fantastic experience for me as an actress and as a person because it has allowed me to help people smile and laugh, which is an incredible thing to do. Along with my fantastic cast, crew, and director, we have been given the opportunity and the power to satirize and share smiles with our audience.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs for two more weekends (April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15) at Kordazone Theatre, 2520 Seminole Street, Windsor.