Laughter and Grief

In general, laughter doesn’t get its due in everyday life. It’s not just a frivolous, lighthearted diversion. Laughing releases tension in the body. It helps us cope with serious illnesses. It’s also a barometer of our wellbeing, and it’s a healthy response to life’s ironies. At times, humor functions like a Zen koan or a parable of Jesus. When we realize the illogic of a situation, and catch the sudden insight into something profound, we laugh with astonishment.