November 08, 2004
Want to see something really cool? You'll hear the Laugh Doctor in a brand new way! (Be sure to turn up the volume on your computer's speakers)
Click on this link: Laugh Doctor Audio Message
If this link does not work: Simply type these exact words (or cut-and-paste it) into your web browser's subject line: "http://members.audiogenerator.com/postcards/?4591628"
By the way, if you're reading this newsletter in the HTML format - be sure to "maximize" your email screen by clicking the little "maximize" button on the top right corner of your email screen.
Dr. Cliff Kuhn's Thought for the Week
Greg tells us that this is the last week of the AOL based newsletter. Through the years, I've sent a lot of love and wisdom out through that format and I've received 100 times more love and wisdom in return...from you! Thank you! I know this exchange will continue in our new format, emanating from: www.natural-humor-medicine.com (Have you visited it today? And why not;-))In honor of our switch, here is the very first newsletter message I ever wrote to you. Does it still resonate today?
"August 26, 2001: Forgiving often is a great way to get more humor into your life. Let me reassure you that forgiving is not done to absolve nor condone any action, it's not done to let anyone "off the hook," and it is done for the benefit of one person only - you.
That said, to forgive we must let go. When we let go, we rid ourselves of the emotional anchors of anger and resentment that weigh down our humor nature. When we are rid of anger and resentment, we are much more able to laugh and laughing, itself is a form of letting go.
So, when we laugh we let go and when we let go we can laugh. Give it a try this week."
November Slowdown
by Lynn Shaw, MSW
The fall frenzy of activity escalates during the month of November. For
those of us in the changing climates and seasons, It is the time to
squeeze in brisk walks, great apples, and winterize homes and
vehicles. For those in the year-round climates, a different emphasis may
be placed on this month that can be shared universally. November is
a reminder that we only have two months left to achieve our intentions
for 2004, which may perpetuate the frenzy of activity.
I suggest that we use the month of November to actually stop the frenzied pace. Slow down the brisk walk to notice the changing colors of the leaves. Bite into a succulent red delicious apple and enjoy the juice dribbling down your chin. Winterize the car and home and then enjoy a glass of apple cider afterwards.
Humor and laughter therapy is more than getting the fun out of something. It’s also claiming the joy. I truly believe that we are missing the joy. A life of seriousness is overcoming the spirit of joy.
In the past few weeks, I have had more comments openly made about discontentment, working too hard, enjoying less, and fearing the frenzy. I have found myself frowning more and with intensity. It is not a pretty picture or a fun feeling.
When I catch myself in the frenzy frown, I have been intentional about doing smiling exercises. You simply stretch the smile and exaggerate it so you feel the tension leave. As I relax the smile muscles, the frown is reduced. Repeat until you get asked, “What are you smiling about?”
Please, enjoy November. And as you reflect upon your intentions, discover if you are perpetuating the frenzy or embracing the joy.
Lynn Shaw, MSW resides in Indiana and is the creator and instructor of the Self-Healing Expressions course, Laughter for the Healing Heart found at www.selfhealingexpressions.com
Your Humor for the Week
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.