Lightening Up: Humor In The Healing Process

Incorporating humor into the spiritual growth process is a favorite technique of mine. In my experience, people take themselves and their problems so seriously that their grip on their worries is far too tight. Let’s take depression, for example.

For those who find themselves in a depressed state, I want you to know first that I deeply and completely respect you in your totality. Please know that I wouldn’t joke around about someone who is despondent, bereaved, or severely traumatized. I have been in that dark place.

But…

At some point in the healing process, it’s time to give the psyche a break from the chronic sadness and lethargy that feels as if it will not end.

After acknowledging the pain, gaining insight into the cause(s) of the depression, and trudging through the treatment process, it’s time to turn to the absurd. Yes, the hilarious…the strangely silly…outrageously funny side of life.

Here’s a little exercise sure to bring some relief to the stagnant energy of the sad-state:

I actually tried it in my kitchen one morning. While the act seemed weird, I did find myself laughing and feeling more energized. Of course, a good shoulder-heaving, nose-running, mouth-drooling crying spell is a great pre-requisite for letting the humor in.

OK, here it goes…

Sing the following lyrics to the tune of I Feel Good by James Brown. Now, if you don’t know who James Brown is—was, rather, as he is deceased—or if you don’t know the song or you are tone deaf, please look it up on YouTube so you can sing along while using the lyrics I provide here:

I f-e-e-e-l crappy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

I wish I were happy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

I fe-e-e-yul crappy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

I wish I were happy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

Much CRAP!

No HAPP!

I fe-e-e-yul S-A-A-A-A-A-A-D! HUH! HAH! OU!

Did you try it?

OK, now reverse the lines to:

I fe-e-el happy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

I used to feel crappy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

I fe-e-e-yul happy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

I used to feel crappy (da-na-na-na-na-na-na)

ALL HAPP!

NO CRAP!

It’s a-a-all G-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-D! HUH! HAH? Jump Back! Kiss myself! Oh Yeah!

I am sure, as I have experienced, that you did chuckle a bit. And, I’ll bet you were dancing—or at least moving to the beat. Right?

Spiritual growth and healing doesn’t have to be so heavy, so serious. We can all lighten up a bit to take the load off our hearts!

Hah!

(Article originally published in M.A.R.C.I. Magazine, the official magazine for the Holistic Mentorship Network, Fall 2011 Issue)

For more information about bringing humor into the personal growth and healing process, contact Dr. Catherine at 888-330-7248, ext. 1, to schedule a personal consultation. To book a speaking engagement or training for your organization, contact Della Clark, Public Relations, 347-636-1429