A z w e t h i n k w e i z

Happiness is our essential nature.

Rather than waiting for external events to determine our happiness, we can find it deep inside ourselves. Perhaps we think we have to be relaxed and calm, or that all sorts of conditions must exist for us to be happy. This is not the case; happiness can exist for no reason. The more we practice smiling, laughing and enjoying ourselves for no reason, the more we will discover that we already have what we seek.

Many of us know that laughter is good for us, but we might feel that we have nothing to laugh about; we may feel more like crying. The second stage of The Mystic Rose can help us to release and heal old wounds, unburden sorrows and discover deep peace within.

So try some laughter techniques, but be kind and gentle with yourself. And remember: If you are in the midst of a difficult time in your life, commit an equal amount of time to allow your sadness to exist. The balanced awareness and expression of both of these energies will bring you to a deeper harmony and peace within yourself.

The Benefits

Laughter is good for us in every way as several studies have shown. (See, for example, articles by N. Lehrman in Archives of Internal Medicine, April 26,1993; by Lee Berk, Dr. P.H. in Loma Linda University School of Medicine News, March 11,1999; by N.Silver in American Health, November 1986; by J. McCormick in Lancet, August 1994.

Among these findings:

* Laughter stimulates physical healing.
* Laughter enhances our creativity.
* Laughter is rejuvenating and regenerating.
* Laughter is sexy.
* Laughter is good for relationships.
* Laughter opens the heart.
* Laughter gives us a glimpse of freedom from the mind.

The Laughter Meditation

When you wake up in the morning, stretch your body-every muscle, cell and fiber-just like a cat. After a few moments, start laughing. Just start. At the beginning you may have to force it a little, saying 'Ha, Ha, Ha,' or 'Ho, Ho, Ho' to get the laughter energy moving. Soon, a spontaneous laughter will arise at the sound of your attempts at laughing. Try it for five minutes. Just laugh for no reason at all. Laugh for the sake of laughing.

Try it again for five minutes when you go to bed, just before you go to sleep. Try it in the shower or while driving your car in traffic. Ha, Ha, Ha. Even to say those words out loud will start a transformation in your energy, in your mood.

At the beginning, it will take some effort; you might want to use a laughter CD to help you get started. After a little while, it will start to happen naturally. Your body will get used to it, will start to expect it.

Laughter is one of the easiest ways to free yourself from the mind's constant thought process and find inner peace. It will make you more alive, more healthy, more creative, and more silent. Simply relax into the enjoyment. You will discover in yourself a tremendous natural talent for rejoicing in life. You may even laugh your way to enlightenment. Yes, it's that good. Remember to laugh-a lot-every day.