“Macrobiotic Principles – Humor” by Macrobiotic Guide
“Cultivate A Sense Of Humor”
Ohsawa called ‘Good Humor’ one of the basic conditions of health. Humor comes from the Latin word humere, which means, “to be wet, or fluid, like water.” In Buddhism and Taoism, water imagery represents flowing freedom and perfect naturalness. If you think about it, humor has a watery quality that we can be most receptive to by “going with the flow,” allowing ourselves the mental flexibility to be open and taken by the imagery of the comic, or the comic irony of a particular situation.
In foolishness or silliness, there is a sense of the sublime. Embodying this principle offers us a secret power in being able to lift our spirits at almost any given moment. And, it brings us to experience child-like qualities of our vulnerable, spontaneous and joyful self.
Feeling or expressing something humorous is a novel way to experience ‘being in the moment.’ Recall when you’ve really been amused or laughed aloud—were you thinking about your mortgage tax that’s due? Were you thinking about your childhood and your cruel stepfather with his martial punishments? How about your overbearing boss—was he on your mind? Truth is, it would be difficult, because humor invites you into the present moment and then locks the door. Now, you’re face to face with joy. And, it engages 100% of your intention (unless the humor is really bad).
Experiencing this and being mindful of it will help you become more consistently present in everything you do.
Humor can give us new ways to view uncomfortable circumstances, thereby becoming a coping tool. There are many events that occur in our lives that we really have no control over. For some, this sense of powerlessness can be grounds for frustration and depression. By developing a humorous outlook we find ways to minimize these situations to our best advantage. We must learn to laugh at ourselves a well as with others.
Obviously, humor does not cure all, but a sense of humor has a unique way of helping you navigate through life’s daily disappointments and upsets. It doesn’t really change anything for the long haul, but it usually makes everything instantly more tolerable and sometimes can give you a new way to reframe your situation. Humor, the Vitamin “H” of good medicine, is free, can be shared, and most definitely can be contagious! Can’t ask for much more.
By Vernes Macrobiotic Principles.
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