“I had a good Isaac this morning.”

When was the last time you had a really good laugh; we’re talking the uncontrollable type that brings you to tears, lost breath, coughing, bladder issues and sore ribs? Not the sissy “oh my gosh! I don’t want people to hear me or see me out of control” type of suppressed laughing that’s probably the leading contributor to indigestion, constipation and hemorrhoids.

So where did laughter come from, anyway?

“HA” Genesis #1: If you run with the scientific pack or wear a “Chuck Rocks” Darwin t-shirt, there are studies suggesting that laughter might have started from bonobos, aka pygmy chimpanzees, suggesting that their special sounds and body gestures pre-date human evolution and is formed in the first year of their life: ttp://dsc.discovery.com/news/afp/20031006/laughter.html.

“HA” Genesis #2: If you run with the faith and/or Judeo-Christian pack or wear an “Abe, the Ham” t-shirt, there is that great comedic scene in Genesis 21:1-7 where after Sarah “laughs” at the idea of her having a child at her and Abraham’s old age…”Ta da! Heeeeeeeeeeeere’s Isaac!” The translation of the name, Isaac, is “he laughs.”

Smiling and laughter is infectious. They’re far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When you laugh with other people, it binds you together and increases joy, intimacy and increases hope. In addition to the domino effect of delight and glee, laughing also triggers physical changes in the body that are good for you. Humor, smiling and laughter fortify your immune system, increase your energy, lessen pain and defend you against the nasty effects of worry and stress. And get this… this priceless medicine is easy to use, it’s fun and it’s free.

So what? Do yourself, and everyone around you, a favor today:

Chuckle

Giggle

Chortle

Laugh

Snort

Hoot

And if you dare, let loose a big guffaw.

It is a laughing matter.

For emphasis.

(b)