Looking For Laugh Lines

by Maya Talisman Frost

I've noticed some new lines on my face this year.  Sure, I'm spending more time in the sun here in Mexico than I did back in Oregon, but I prefer to believe that these apostrophes around my eyes are the result of hours of laughter.

Just looking at them makes me smile.  I view them as proof of my less-is-more and light-is-right approach to mindfulness.

Besides, I've learned that one of the most obvious qualities of someone who has clarity is a well-developed sense of humor.

You see, once you get a grip on your own often-warped perspective, you can't help but laugh at the many quirky things you see around and within you.

A finely-tuned respect for the ridiculous keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously even when we're facing difficult challenges.  It is possible to see our circumstances - even direones - clearly and at the same timeremain light and full of humor.

In our culture, we tend to believe thatthose who are cheerful just don't get it.  We think that if you really understandthe state of the world and the gravity of the challenges we face as humans,you must hunch from the weight of this burden and grimace in the face of such despair.

Wrong.

We need lightness and humor MOSTwhen we are dealing with severely difficult and seemingly hopeless situations.  In fact, those who havebeen through the most excruciatingordeals are often the ones with the most profound sense of levity.

Need an example?  Take the Dalai Lama.

Wisdom, knowledge and spiritual fortitude sometimes come in light packages. One of the reasons His Holiness has captured our hearts is that he is able to smile and joke despite circumstances that would fill most of us with rage.

Happy gurus rock.  There is tremendous power in lighthearted determination.  We need to be reminded that lightness and depth go hand in hand, and that it's possible - no, essential -  to have fun while following our own personal path to a positive perspective.

Here's a tip:  don't trust any teacherwho has no laugh lines.  Don't followthe teachings of anyone who espousesan approach requiring severity.  Don'tget caught in thinking that deep thinking must be done while scowling.

And most of all, remember that laughter gives your brain a welcomeblast of oxygen.

Take a look at those you admire. Pay attention to their perspective. Is it ultimately positive, even if they are tackling important work or facing insurmountable obstacles?

The greatest step you can taketoward your own development asa fully-engaged human is to look for the laughter.  Find those who inspire you with their integrity and dedication - and seek out the onesamong them who laugh the most.

I've also noticed some new verticallines above my upper lip.  I like tothink it's from all the kissing I do here in Latin America.

This merry mindfulness path mightmake wrinkles, but as long as they are the result of increased joy, I'llkeep celebrating every time I lookin the mirror.

©Copyright 2005 by Maya Talisman Frost

Maya Talisman Frost has taught thousands of people how to pay attention.  Her playful, eyes-wide-open approach to everyday mindfulness has been featured in over 150 publications worldwide.  To read her tips and tricks for practical awareness, visit www.Real-WorldMindfulness.com