"Laughter - that is something very sacred, especially for us Indians." --John (Fire) Lame Deer, ROSEBUD LAKOTA

 Laughter is mental, laughter is emotional, laughter is physical, and laughter is spiritual. Laughter helps us find balance. If we get too angry, laughter will turn that emotion in a balanced direction. If we have a mental picture of someone who is too strong, laughter will help ease the tension. If the body is stressed, laughter will release natural relaxants into our muscles and our nervous system. Laughter often changes our attitude. We need to lighten up and laugh more.

Great Spirit, teach me to laugh.

Copied with the permission of Don L. Coyhis, from the book Meditations with Native American Elders: The Four Seasons