There are people who believe spiritual practices are serious business. They see them as spiritual disciplines, and are convinced spiritual life needs to be disciplined. Some people almost believe the best spiritual practices for us are nearly painful, filled with struggle. It is almost as if they they think we are not being serious enough if our practices are not painful sacrifices.
I believe in the sacred power of joy and humor.
Too often, we want to be so serious about spiritual life we rob it of its joy. Spiritual life is a celebration, an awareness of the amazing potential of every moment. It does not mean everything is a joke. Our lives are filled with tragedies and injustices. Spiritual life inspires us to continue, to keep seeing the wonder in the midst of struggles and pain.
When I meet with a client for spiritual advice or direction, laughter is a key part of our process. People come to me with serious difficulties and serious questions. Part of what they need is a new perspective on spiritual life. When they laugh, or cry, or get frustrated, it confirms we are heading in a healthy direction.
We often laugh when we see things in a new light.
We want to strengthen our ability to see things in new ways, to develop the spiritual practice of humor.
There is healing power in humor. When we are able to respond with humor, we see things from a new perspective. There is deep irony in the Sacred truths all around us. Recognizing the irony of spiritual life helps us appreciate ourselves and the people around us.
Humor helps us practice spiritual life.
When has humor shown you the truths of spiritual life?
How will you begin to practice humor this week?
[Image by Rosino]
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