"See into the life of things....."

Gotta love the expression on this child's face. 

Laughing - so wonderful. The world is full of joke books, comedy clubs, cartoons, even free apps that will categorize jokes into -

Animal - Q: Why did the chicken cross the road? A: To show the armadillo that it was possible.

Korney - Q: What do you get when you cross a rooster and a duck? A: A bird that gets up at the quack of dawn.

Marriage - Marriage is a 3-ring circus - engagement ring, wedding ring and Suffering.

One Liners - Q: What was the witches' favorite subject in school? A: Spelling

Questions - Why do they call him Donkey Kong if he is not a donkey?

Yo Mama! - Well, I CAN NOT repeat any of those jokes. Obscene and nasty.

There is some evidence to suggest that laughter is really good for you.

*Pain is reduced through laughter by distracting a person and also through triggering the release of endorphins (chemicals in the brain that are natural painkillers and when released create a sense of well-being).

*Laughter strengthens the immune system by increasing the number of natural killer cells and antibodies that attack unwanted foreign material in our bodies.

*It relaxes the muscles. It is even thought that laughter is similar to meditation in that it produces a relaxation effect.


*Laughter reduces the effects of stress in the body. It fights fatigue and reduces the chemicals that are generated when we feel threatened or anxious.


*Laughter might reduce blood pressure and might give the digestive organs a good internal massage.

At Yoga On York (Towson, MD), the fabulous yoga studio where I take class and where I teach, someone posted on the bulletin board a "Free Smile" sheet similar to the one above. Lots of the free smiles were torn off. I took one and put it inside my wallet where I keep my cash. Every time I open it up, there's a free smile inside waiting for me. I don't know who posted that smile sheet but ...... how clever and how simple.

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In my quest to discover the healthiest most joyful way to ease into 60, I'm always looking for role models. Check these videos out. 

I tried to upload them into the blog but they are too long (anything longer than 1 minutes will not process). 

The first one features a 93 year old yoga teacher who travels all over the world teaching yoga. She is so inspired and strong and young. Check it out.

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/93-year-old-yoga-teacher-good-day-ny-20120126

The second one features a 95 year old woman practicing yoga in her cottage. It is absolutely amazing.

http://vimeo.com/31733784

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With an eye made quiet

by the power of harmony,

and the deep power of joy,

we see into the life of things.

William Wordsworth

                                                 

One flower - so simple and yet so beautiful. Some random seed found it's way to this spot, a stem sprouted and then roots grew and before long one simple flower opening up to the sun's rays. 


"Seeing into the life of things" - that is what captures us so that we live in the moment which becomes moments which becomes a shift in reality, a shift to the path of joy and harmony. 


A shift away from attaching to the struggle, the drama, the unhappiness.


There is vast joy and quietness to be had by "seeing into the life of things". 

With every best wish for you today and loads of laughter and harmony,
Donna Rae


p.s. If you have a photo or a joke or a story you would like posted on this blog please email me at donnaraesmith@yahoo.com