“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” – Victor Hugo
I was having a rough morning when I ran into a friend of mine on the security staff. I had been stressing over a few things related to my job and was doing my best to relax and take care of business. I asked my friend if he had a good weekend, and if he gets weekends off from his work in the district. He let me know that he does get the weekends off. Then he smiled and said, “Let me put it this way, I work as much during the weekends as you do during the week.” His subtle jab at my laid back approach to my job struck me as very funny, and was just the thing to burst the bubble of stress I had been feeling.
It is funny how often I forget the value of a good laugh. Laughter releases so many chemicals in the blood stream and boosts my mood. Laughing with others gives me a feeling of togetherness and creates instant bonds with the people around me. I benefit from frequent reminders to not take myself so seriously. As a teacher, when I take things too seriously I lose my connection with the very things that lead me to teaching in the first place. First and foremost, I enjoy encouraging children to realize how awesome they are, which reminds me to do the same.
During one of my lunch groups this week I was amazed at how quickly the students bonded. It was, in part, because of my willingness to laugh along with their potty humor, rather than give them a lecture about it. By laughing along with them, we were together in our joy. When one student intentionally fell out of his chair in laughter, I encouraged another student to help him up. In the past, I might have stopped the action to give him a lecture about staying in his chair. By enjoying the humor, I stayed engaged with my students and they engaged with each other. Much of the work I do in my groups is about facilitating friendship building, turn-taking and active listening. This group was accomplishing all of those things in a fun and easy way that will carry on into their daily lives.
At the center of a good laugh is a feeling of appreciation for life. The ability to smile and laugh for no logical reason is a nod to the Universe, and to everyone around us, that all is well. Even as I write this article I can feel that wonderful feeling that a good laugh brings to my belly. I am hoping that this feeling translates to you as you read these words. At a meeting that I recently attended, I was asked about my methods for redirecting a student when he talks in a funny voice in class. I shared that the first thing I do is appreciate the student for being a creative person, and acknowledging that I also like to talk in funny voices. We enjoy the silliness together rather than making it wrong. After this simple act of appreciation it is easy to redirect this student to talk in his “normal” voice. In the past, it was all too often that I would miss the humor and fun in the world around me and these molehills would turn into mountains.
As you read this, are there parts of your own life that you are taking too serious? I am referring to the kind of thinking that actually cuts off your ability to deal with whatever you are being asked to do. If so, take a breather, and smile. Remind yourself that getting rigid and serious, while giving the temporary illusion of control, is not nearly as effective as relaxing and going about your business in a calm and focused manner. It is okay to laugh at yourself for the ways you have been holding on too tight. My wife can tell you how much she appreciates it when I stop taking myself too seriously. She always enjoys a good laugh.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, live each week, Wednesdays at 3 p.m. on www.UnityOnlineRadio.org. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.
