Joy is a story of perspective, the knowledge that life is lived inside our own heads. Choosing laughter, a peaceful mind, a cheerful heart and a gentle tongue is a gift to ourselves and a gift to others.

The Benefits of Laughter

1. Reduces stress
2. Elicits deep breathing response
3. Lowers blood pressure
4. Exercises body muscles and organs
5. Increases the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain suppressers
6. Enhances the function of the immune system
7. Creates a sense of well-being
8. Can create an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance

Learned Limits On Laughter

1. Replacement of the laughter response
2. Things about which we have been taught not to laugh
3. Places we've been taught not to laugh
    

Developing and Sharing Laughter

1. Collecting and sharing humor:
   a. Jokes, cartoons, comic strips, tapes, books, TV, comedy clubs, old movies
   b. Our own experiences
2. Going through the motions
3. What to say when you talk to yourself:
     a. Perspective vs. Fact
     b. Telling the "good" story