Monday, May 18, 2009

Just Laugh! the movie

"Just Laugh," a documentary produced by Laugh Loud Productions (http://www.justlaugh.org/) is about the healing concept of laughter. The medical community claims laughter is the best medicine and we should laugh at least 15 minutes a day which is equivalent to 15 or 20 minutes of exercise. Which would you rather do? Laugh or exercise? Both are healthy recommendations.

My friend, Reverend T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, or Reverend TK, as he is affectionately called at The New York Buddhist Church was interviewed in the movie concerning the Buddhist notion of laughter. His message was to smile at others with your lips as well as smile with your eyes as a means of giving with no expectation of getting anything in return. Smiles and laughter are gifts to be given.

After the film during the Q&A, a lady from the audience asked about the laughing buddha. Reverend TK answered that the laughing buddha is of Chinese origin. It means don't take life too seriously and have the ability to laugh at yourself. Personally, I have two laughing buddhas at home. Guess it's time to remember not to take life so seriously during these difficult economic times and just laugh!

Live. Love. Laugh.

Laura Thompson