Laughter Is The Universal Language
Hi, I’m Lenny Ravich and am blessed to be one of the top Inspirational and Humorous Speakers in Hong Kong & London. In my 86 years on this planet I have found great significance in Humor and laughter for optimism, inspiration, improved relationships and health. Humor and laughter are the languages of love.
Universal Language
Do you remember the old saying, “A Day without laughter is a day not fully lived”? I have noticed that when I laugh with people it brings us closer. We automatically become friends, and it makes no difference if I know them or not, if they are from a different country, or speak another language. We connect. Laughter is the universal language. I have found this to be true as a humorous keynote speaker in Hong Kong & London.
A few years ago I visited Cairo, Egypt. I was in a packed elevator when a waiter with a tray full of food and beverages entered. Our eyes locked and I have no idea why, but we both began to laugh. We were just laughing together for no reason. Not a word was spoken. We laughed so hard that he had to put his tray down on the ground to wipe his eyes. That’s when I opened my arms and we hugged. There we were, an Egyptian and an Israeli who neither spoke each other’s language laughing and hugging like kindergarten children. He reached the floor he was supposed to attend, picked up his tray and exited still laughing. He may even be smiling now as I often do when I recall this experience.
The Art of Living
When we laugh we lift our mood and our stress levels become lower. It makes life bearable during the tough times. Victor Frankl a psychiatrist and survivor of the Nazi Death Camps states in his book Man’s Search for Meaning: “When Humans display humor they are showing that they have mastered the art of living”.
What Does Chemistry Have to Do with It?
When we are anxious, stressed or angry, our bodies emit a chemical known as cortisol which could poison our system. Enough days like these could lead to stress related illnesses.
Even when we so much as smile we change the chemistry on our bodies. Smiling, humor, laughter, and kindness emit endorphins which lower anxiety and tension and protect our immune system. Dr. Bernie Segal, author of Love, Medicine and Miracles writes “As a general rule, happy people don’t get sick”. When we are optimistic we are more joyful and it effects our environment positively. As a funny inspirational speaker in Hong Kong & London, I find this to be so with my audiences.
Stay Foolish
Steve Jobs, in his commencement speech to the graduating class at Stanford University in 2005, ended with the sentence: “Stay Foolish “. My interpretation is that when we allow ourselves to be irrational at times, we become more creative open to new ideas.
In 1993 I established the first ever “Humor Laughter and Gestalt Workshops” in the world. The people who attended were searching for ways to laugh for no reason, to play, to observe the absurdity and paradoxes of life, and participate in amusing exercises. Some presentations lasted an hour, a day, or even a week. The purpose was to offer the attendees the possibilities to become aware of a world of fun, merriment and humor. Once they became mindful, they had a choice; to change their perception of reality at any given moment and to select laughter, fun and humor over stress, anger and anxiety. We learned that life becomes a more joyful journey when it turns out to be a game to be played rather than a drama to be lived.
Life as Pure Entertainment
George Carlin was a great American Comedian who wrote, “People who see life as anything more than pure entertainment are missing the point.” According to Mr. Carlin, we were put on this earth to find the comedy in our lives and have fun.
I have been married for 56 years, and not long ago I asked my wife, “What do you think it is that has helped each other during all these ups and downs?” Her answer was clear and simple, “You make me laugh.”
I challenge you dear reader to take the time out each day to see your life as entertaining. And laugh for just being alive.
I would love to hear from you.