Have you heard of "laughter yoga?" It's not yoga in the conventional sense like the popular version rooted in traditional Hindu spirituality. It is a recent phenomenon, developed by an Indian doctor in the 1970s. The principle is this: laughter is good for you, and it relieves stress. Therefore, the physical act of laughing even when you are not amused - in other words, pretending to laugh - can produce in the body the same physiological health benefits as real laughter. Isn't that amazing? Have you ever tried fake laughter with a group of people? Next thing you know, you're laughing for real - you can't help it! It's contagious. We're hardwired for laughter and our bodies respond positively to it. Practitioners of "laughter yoga" know that the mind, body, and spirit will respond predictably to particular stimuli. A smiling, open mouth...raised hands...deep inhalations and forced exhalations saying "Ho Ho!" or "Ha Ha!"...all of these can trick the mind, producing the release of endorphins, decreasing stress hormones like adrenaline. It's great therapy, and everyone in the group has a good time! In a similar way we're hardwired for worship. God designs us with material bodies and immaterial spirits, and He wills that they work in tandem with one another. When we use our bodies prayerfully, we can enter more quickly into a spiritual state of prayer. Look at the famous 1859 painting "The Angelus" by Jean-François Millet - it is filled with suggestions of the physical senses integrating with the spiritual senses:
Our minds, bodies, and spirits are irrevocably intertwined, for good or for ill. This is why it is so important for us to follow the teaching of the Church on even little physical gestures during the liturgy. For, "he that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in that which is greater." (Luke 16:10) Blessings!
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December 2020
CategoriesAlex E. HillCatholic husband for 36 years. Catholic father of 6. Catholic musician, published Catholic composer. Lover of authentic Catholic liturgy and music, in line with Catholic teaching. Did we mention Catholic? |