12. Laughter Is Bliss

Being honest is an issue for many of us.

Many of us cannot express our feelings without an internal censor. We dare not be spontaneous. Instead, we mentally rehearse before speaking to our spouses, parents, friends, children, and colleagues. What we speak is not the same as what we think.

If we review our day, we will find that from the time we get out of bed, to the end of the day, we fill our time with avoidance, lies, and untruths. We are afraid to face the truth at any time because we fear that it will change us and our mind is afraid of change.

Truth is simple, very simple. Our lives are complicated by the lies that we build them on. To face the truth and demolish the wall of lies is difficult because of this fear of inviting the truth into our lives and accepting the changes that would happen.

In the same way, our smiles are false; they are mostly plastic smiles expressed by our lips alone. We are afraid that if we truly smile, if the smile extends to our eyes, then the other person will know what is on our mind. That is dangerous. It is simpler to avoid looking into each other's eyes. The reason we go to great lengths to avoid eye contact is that we are afraid the other person will be able to read our minds.

A smile that touches the lips is only cosmetic. A true smile is expressed in the eyes. Unless the eyes smile, the heart cannot smile. That's all.

Similarly, true laughter emerges from the depths of our belly. When we truly laugh aloud, with enjoyment, we will attract attention. It is rare to hear true laughter and it is infectious.

True laughter that gives enjoyment, arises from the pit of our stomach. When we laugh naturally, truthfully, people will sometimes stare at us as if we are guilty of misconduct! Because of this social stigma, we are always guilty of expressing our true feelings.

Laughter is a great meditation. It is said that if one really laughs in awareness for ten minutes, one will become enlightened. True laughter can only come from truth, honesty and transparency. That is why children find it so easy to laugh even without a reason. On the other hand, adults are forever concerned about what people will think of them if they laugh. They suppress laughter, the way they suppress truth.

It is wonderful that so-called 'Laughter Groups' are gaining popularity. Laughter is therapeutic in terms of relieving stress and anger. A person who can laugh without reservation and fear of being misunderstood is truly a spiritual person.

Laugh and be in eternal bliss, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.