Why We Laugh:
Laughter, a topic that has baffled philosophers for 2,000 years, is finally yielding to science. Researchers have now traced the evolution of laughter back to an unexpected discovery: laughter has little to do with humor. It’s an instinctual survival tool for social animals, not an intellectual response to wit. In other words, it’s not about getting the joke; it’s about getting along. Researcher Robert Provine maintains that it's a largely involuntary process, and though people can consciously suppress laughs, few can make themselves laugh convincingly. In his words, "Laughter is an honest social signal because it’s hard to fake [...] It’s a kind of behavioral fossil showing the roots that all human beings, maybe all mammals, have in common." [more]

Be The Change:
Observe where your laughter arises from today and what effect it has, both inside and out.

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	Previous Reflections:
On Mar 15, 2007 esha writes:	well ,laughing is one of the best gifts God has given us.i'm trying to laugh mover ofen so that make others too..........
On Mar 15, 2007 tambu writes:	laughing makes me feel better--it's like a natural mood elevator... I've noticed that I laugh mostly at human/animal behaviors...it's like the connection and recognition of our blunders and consequent realizations is amusing... there's nothing like hearing my young children laugh when they "get it"
On Mar 15, 2007 grin57 writes:	This study/article is interesting....oddly enough for me......i laugh if it is funny and don't if it is not and have not to my knowledge been able to surpress a laugh if it was funny nor create a laugh if it was not.....of course sometimes this has gotten me a few 'looks' when the laughter came and was the sole laugh or close to it......but trying to figure out if i should laugh or not laugh depending on what setting i'm in totally ruins the gift that laughter provides my soul....in my opinion:) laughing came easier for me than remembering to smile.........maybe a study on smiling can be next!
On Mar 15, 2007 Patricia writes:	I disagree that laughter is hard to fake. see http://www.laughteryoga.org you will find that the excersises suggested here are to just start laughing. you then find that you just get carried away and are laughing properly. it is great fun to do in a group. there is nothing funny to set you off - just veryone 'faking a laugh'. i really recomed it. :D
On Mar 15, 2007 Linda writes:	I object to evolution. I believe we are created, so I disagree. I think laughter is a gift.
On Mar 16, 2007 Aurelia writes:	I think Laughter is the Best Medicine. It is a gift. Want a laugh...listen to this. I work in a Religious Ed school Office. I was sending letters to contact parents of students who had not registered to attend for the year. I said in the letter that I missed seeing their child in school each week. Instead of sending in her registration form, she sent me a PHOTO of the child. I laughed out loud at that. HA HA HA
On Mar 16, 2007 Rajeev writes:	Aurelia, That's a good one. Made me laugh... On a more laughable note, these scientists who look at the evolution of laughter...I bet a good laugh that God is laughing on that one! Have a good laugh everyone and May God Bless us All!
On Mar 16, 2007 Ramanand Kowta writes:	A great Indian Master ( Osho ?) said that heartfelt Laughter is the only instance of the ' No Mind State - or Meditation "
On Apr 2, 2007 Nana Kofi writes:	Laughter, for the period in which one makes one forget about all his problems.Beyond that should be a way by which we show appreciation to God that in all things we hold on to HIM.
On Apr 4, 2007 SHIRISH writes:	laughing is the best medicine.
On Apr 10, 2007 Rajesh writes:	Change your facial expression it will change your mood & you can laugh then your brain will release some chemicals. If yuo can do this . you are the happiest man on the earth.
On Apr 12, 2007 Antoine writes:	am 100% sure that laugh is natural but it can be easly and 100% faked!!!!
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