“Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone.” – Ella Wheeler Wilcox
So often, I am too serious about life. I worry, I think too much and sometimes forget to stop and see the humour and lightness around me. My children often remind me to lighten up and be more childlike! and when I do, life takes on a fresh new meaning.
The story below made me laugh, and reminded me how sometimes, we can get caught trying to be too serious about our spiritual life and life in general.
LAUGH OUT LOUD…
Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out.
The first monk said, “Oh, no! The candle is out.”
The second monk said, “Aren’t we not supposed to talk?”
The third monk said, “Why must you two break the silence?”
The fourth monk laughed and said, “Ha! I’m the only one who didn’t speak!”
Source: Zen Stories to Tell Your Neighbors
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
As I am sitting here with a mountain of paperwork before me this is an excellent reminder Karen. How easy it is to get caught up with ‘work’ and forget to ‘play’.
Melissa
Thanks Melissa, Im glad it did! Although, work needs to be done, its a good reminder every now and then.
Karen
What a nice and important reminder. I’ve found a very funny quote:
“Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing. My soul probably looks like Fred Astaire.”
― Jarod Kintz, This Book is Not for Sale
Yes, the sound of the soul dancing… and I would say, LIVING…
Thank you Karen 🙂
I love that quote thankyou Frederic, its beautiful. I like to think that my “soul dances”, Im just not sure that it would be Fred Astaire? ha, but we can pretend!
Karen
You both remind me of another quote!
“Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels.”
Diana xo
Good one Karen! Laughter is good for the heart. ❤
Diana xo
Thanks Diana and you made me laugh with your quote! Gotta give it to Ginger, she did it tough and made it look easy.
Karen
To paraphrase G. K. Chesterton: “Any religion that can’t find the humor in itself, can’t be taken seriously.’
-Alan
Perfect Alan! and that is true and funny. Thankyou
Karen
Laughter is always the best medicine it’s so true. I need a daily dose. 🙂
It is a great medicine, especially when life seems very sad and serious. Thankyou for your comment.
Karen
I don’t want to grow old
Growing old will always be a state of mind! Keep your thoughts and attitude young. 🙂
nice quote ….so true