THE BACKDROP
These are angry and edgy times. Considerably more road rage, hair-trigger tempers, confrontational talk shows, political correctness gone mad. Hyper-sensitivities shouting down free speech on college campuses, too many easily offended groups and individuals. And much of this is provoked by fear-mongering politicos, alarmist media and hate-based organizations that stoke the fires of community discord. More corporate advertisers are playing to our personal fears relative to our health and safety. And our fearful, nervous and stressful responses feed on themselves and can absolutely affect our health and well-being.
SO, WHAT DO WE DO?
We work in every way possible to address the above symptoms of dysfunctional organizations, political systems and societal institutions. However, the emotional and physical energy expended in those causes has to be replenished by healthier counter-balances for our own self-preservation. Our souls and spirits have got to be fed to give us some balance and nurture us for the battle. We've got to take time to lighten up and liven up. There are many ways to do this. Meditation, gardening, visual and performing arts, outside adventures, children/grandchildren, etc., etc.
Music, the outdoors and my sense of humor have saved my life, or at least extended it. I frequently say that were it not for my music and sense of humor, I'd probably be institutionalized. My family are quick to remind me that "there's still time." But, I digress. Let's consider humor.
Photo by Jay P. Morgan
One of my personal shamans, Waylon Jennings, oft sang, "I've got to be crazy to keep from going insane." That may be a good premise for many of us. Hunter S. Thompson, AKA "Dr. Gonzo" had a different approach. He said, "I've never advocated alcohol, drugs or violence, but they've always worked for me." That's probably not a good regimen for us. Let me suggest some kinder and gentler routes to humor, laughter and healthy escape.
TIPS FOR A MORE FUN AND FUNNIER YOU
It's important to remember your Mama's "right time and place" admonition as we attempt to execute humorous presentations, quite personally subjective events. For instance, the above-pictured gentleman with the French fries is causing no harm to himself or others. I, on the other hand, having been under the influence many years ago, deigned to do my "I am the walrus" imitation by putting jalapeños up my nose at The Texas Chili Parlor. I was trying to get attention at my table, and was so "influenced" that there was a time delay from pepper insertion to nasal membrane response. One of the most painful learning experiences of my occasionally irresponsible life. I've not duplicated that exercise. Again, I digress. Let's move on..
You must have humorous stimuli. For instance...
--Upon awakening, look at yourself in the mirror. OK, perhaps that's a little harsh.
--If you've got satellite radio, put a comedy station on your "selects." This is my frequent psychic palate cleanser when I'm outraged at politics.
--YouTube has some great escapes. Cat and baby goat videos, comedy performances, etc.
--Save funny quotes for future use. Make funny family photos accessible.
--Socialize with fun people. Life's too short to be bored to death.
--If you're binge-watching "Game of Thrones," "House of Cards" and the like, make sure you intersperse "Best In Show," "The Big Lebowski" or something of that ilk to balance your perspective.
--Don't try sleeping on a diet of news TV. If you're not asleep before 10 pm, watch The Daily Show or at least a monologue of Kimmel, Fallon or Colbert. That won't keep you up too late, and you'll doze off smiling instead of fighting insomnia through your anger and disgust.
--Some friends are taking an Improv course. We saw them practice and perform. Great fun.
--Go to a comedy club. Read the New Yorker cartoons. Revisit the funny papers. They've changed over time.
--Pay attention to lighter fare at the theater and art museums.
--Put a Whoopee Cushion in Aunt Edna's chair during her next visit. (just kidding)
--Determine you're going to see some of the Moontower Comedy Fest shows when they next come around.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN
Humorist writer Dave Barry reminds that "we have an obligation to embarrass our children." I wholeheartedly adhere to that philosophy, as my family will attest.
A Hallmark Shoebox card photo
There's nothing as delightful as a child's laughter. And we adults play major roles in creating an atmosphere where they can appreciate and create humor, and learn how to not take themselves too seriously. We should take many opportunities to be playful, share good-natured joking and teach about the difference between teasing and bullying.
Kids love costumes and funny hats and dressing up pets and play-acting in many forms. For those who don't have much time to spend with kids and grandkids, we can maximize our positive impact by striving to find out what activities they really like. Best to ask what they'd most enjoy, rather than coming with our pre-determined agendas.
As to the potential for embarrassment ala Dave Barry, kids too often see adults (and especially parents) as the uptight, intolerant disciplinarians and fuddy-duddies. So it can be great fun to be silly, act out with costumes, funny faces, dance, air guitar, humor or other behaviors that they least expect. They may act appalled, but they WILL remember. They may have opportunities to experience us at our worst. Let's make sure they see us having fun. With an invitation for them to join us.
A MOSEY CLOSE
The world is too uptight. But, we don't have to be. Not all the time. It's unhealthy and unattractive to others of any age. The Mosey Principles are: Slow Down, Pay Attention, Be Informed and Act Accordingly. And, for this theme, I'd add: Have fun, don't be afraid to be silly (occasionally), laugh heartily and model not taking yourself too seriously. And remember, "We can't stop the aging process, but we can be immature forever."