Mindfulness and Mirth: Looking for Laugh Lines
by Maya Frost
I've come to terms with my laugh lines.
In my early forties, I worried about them as they began to appear. Right up into my fifties, I detested them. I even tried Botox a couple of times to smooth them out.
But that's over. Now, at 60, I am embracing my laugh lines. I love the multiple apostrophes that appear around my eyes when I smile or laugh. To me, they're a sign of a happy life.
Just looking at them makes me smile. I view them as proof of my less-is-more and light-is-right approach to mindfulness and life.
Besides, I've learned that one of the most obvious qualities of someone who has clarity is a well-developed sense of humor.
You see, once you get a grip on your own often-warped perspective, you can't help but laugh at the many quirky things you see around and within you. A finely-tuned respect for the ridiculous keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously, even when we're facing difficult challenges. It is possible to see our circumstances--even dire ones--clearly and, at the same time, remain light and full of humor.
In our culture, we tend to believe that those who are cheerful just don't get it. We think that if you really understand the state of the world and the gravity of the challenges we face as humans, you must hunch from the weight of this burden and grimace in the face of such despair.
Wrong.
We need lightness and humor most when we are dealing with difficult and seemingly hopeless situations. In fact, those who have been through the most excruciating ordeals are often the ones with the most profound sense of levity.
Need an example? Take the Dalai Lama.
Wisdom, knowledge and spiritual fortitude sometimes come in light packages. One of the reasons His Holiness has captured our hearts is that he is able to smile and joke despite circumstances that would fill most of us with rage.
Happy gurus rock. There is tremendous power in lighthearted determination. We need to be reminded that lightness and depth go hand in hand, and that it's possible--no, essential-- to have fun while following our own personal path to a positive perspective.
Here's a tip: don't trust any mentor who has no laugh lines. Don't follow the teachings of anyone who espouses an approach requiring severity. Don't get caught in thinking that contemplation requires scowling.
Take a look at those you admire. Pay attention to their perspective. Is it ultimately positive, even if they are tackling important work or facing insurmountable obstacles?
The greatest step you can take toward your own development as a fully-engaged human is to look for the laughter. Find those who inspire you with their integrity and dedication--and seek out the ones among them who laugh the most.
I've also acquired some vertical lines above my upper lip. I like to think it's from all the kissing I do.
.
This merry mindfulness path might make wrinkles, but as long as they are the result of increased joy, I'll keep celebrating every time I look in the mirror.
© 2006-2020 Maya Frost
Please include the following when sharing:
Maya Frost is an author, mindfulness trainer, and creative change strategist.
Learn more at MayaFrost.com
In my early forties, I worried about them as they began to appear. Right up into my fifties, I detested them. I even tried Botox a couple of times to smooth them out.
But that's over. Now, at 60, I am embracing my laugh lines. I love the multiple apostrophes that appear around my eyes when I smile or laugh. To me, they're a sign of a happy life.
Just looking at them makes me smile. I view them as proof of my less-is-more and light-is-right approach to mindfulness and life.
Besides, I've learned that one of the most obvious qualities of someone who has clarity is a well-developed sense of humor.
You see, once you get a grip on your own often-warped perspective, you can't help but laugh at the many quirky things you see around and within you. A finely-tuned respect for the ridiculous keeps us from taking ourselves too seriously, even when we're facing difficult challenges. It is possible to see our circumstances--even dire ones--clearly and, at the same time, remain light and full of humor.
In our culture, we tend to believe that those who are cheerful just don't get it. We think that if you really understand the state of the world and the gravity of the challenges we face as humans, you must hunch from the weight of this burden and grimace in the face of such despair.
Wrong.
We need lightness and humor most when we are dealing with difficult and seemingly hopeless situations. In fact, those who have been through the most excruciating ordeals are often the ones with the most profound sense of levity.
Need an example? Take the Dalai Lama.
Wisdom, knowledge and spiritual fortitude sometimes come in light packages. One of the reasons His Holiness has captured our hearts is that he is able to smile and joke despite circumstances that would fill most of us with rage.
Happy gurus rock. There is tremendous power in lighthearted determination. We need to be reminded that lightness and depth go hand in hand, and that it's possible--no, essential-- to have fun while following our own personal path to a positive perspective.
Here's a tip: don't trust any mentor who has no laugh lines. Don't follow the teachings of anyone who espouses an approach requiring severity. Don't get caught in thinking that contemplation requires scowling.
Take a look at those you admire. Pay attention to their perspective. Is it ultimately positive, even if they are tackling important work or facing insurmountable obstacles?
The greatest step you can take toward your own development as a fully-engaged human is to look for the laughter. Find those who inspire you with their integrity and dedication--and seek out the ones among them who laugh the most.
I've also acquired some vertical lines above my upper lip. I like to think it's from all the kissing I do.
.
This merry mindfulness path might make wrinkles, but as long as they are the result of increased joy, I'll keep celebrating every time I look in the mirror.
© 2006-2020 Maya Frost
Please include the following when sharing:
Maya Frost is an author, mindfulness trainer, and creative change strategist.
Learn more at MayaFrost.com