Humor Heals!
It’s official! The data is in, the research reported and dozens of clown noses distributed! Humor and happiness heal! Norman Cousins introduced this idea eons ago after he checked out of the hospital and into a hotel armed with legions of laughter inducing videos. He learned quickly that a good belly laugh gave him instant pain relief, and was the physical equivalent of two full hours of deep sleep.
Cousins later invested in research rallied by an icon in our industry, Dr. Lee Berk. Surprised by the limited literature linking humor and health, Dr. Berk set out to prove what his heart has always known to be true. He modestly mentioned that it was not his intelligence, but his persistence that paid off with proof of the positive impact of humor, laughter and play on happiness, health and longevity.
Over a hundred people flocked to Phoenix from as far away as Australia, Israel, Japan and Norway for the 29th annual conference of the Association for Applied Therapeutic Humor.
Of course, I flew in early for some extra fun. Though I didn’t do much sightseeing since I have been here a few times before, I enjoyed relaxing by the pool surrounded by sunshine, palm trees and waterfalls. This was especially refreshing, having spent the previous week in Dayton, Ohio at the Erma Bombeck writer’s workshop, where it was cold, cloudy and even snowed on Saturday night. I woke up early every morning to the sunrise shining in my double doors that actually opened to the outdoors, overlooking a golf course. I love Arizona, and would enjoy spending more time there if it were not so far from home. I enjoyed the extra three hours upon arrival (until my body recognized its bedtime), but I don’t like losing them on the way home. My roommate had to bail last minute, leaving me with our luxurious room all to myself. I considered sharing it with someone else but wisely decided otherwise.
This was my second of three years enrolled in the preconference Humor Academy as well, a concentrated collaborative class for studying, practicing and promoting positive humor, health and well-being. It comes pretty naturally for me, and the return on investment is a no brainer in my book. The entire conference is one big love fest, where likeminded, positive professionals celebrate, collaborate and confirm our collective quest to make our world a better place, one smile or laugh at a time. From Karen Knott’s opening keynote filled with family memories with her dad, Don, spending time on the set of the Andy Griffith show, through breakout sessions, book signings and research projects, to the closing celebratory dinner and dance, the days and nights were nonstop. The impact of our experience is immediate and permanent for AATH virgins and veterans alike, and we will continue our quest to share wisdom, happiness, humor and joy with the world.
