A Good Laugh Keeps The Doctor Away

I came across a recent article citing a study that Laughter Activates the Immune System. Remember Norman Cousins Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient where he writes about combating life-threatening illness through humor and patient participation. And then there are all the new schools of healing that are based on laughter. Well it’s true. Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University have been studying the effects of laughter on the human immune system. “To date, their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle range of motion, and boosts immune system function. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. This exciting research was featured in the September / October 1996 issue of the Humor and Health Journal.” “After a good laugh, your immune system also seems to "turn it up a notch.”

I believe in the healing power of laughter. In my group work, when a group cries together, they bond. When they laugh together, they reach heaven. So why do I gravitate towards what the world designates as weird art films? The stranger and more off beat the film; the more I am drawn to it. My friends think of me as an ideal critic. If I love a film, usually they know to stay away from it. I think one reason I love these films is that the world is filled with horror. One of the best ways of understanding the underbelly of life is not to run from it. On the other hand, in order to stay healthy, humor is a wonderful aid. As a rule of thumb, balance in all one does is a good goal. Meanwhile, laugh and stay well.

Healing a House Divided.

In February I attended the American Group Psychotherapy Association Conference, Bridging Differences; Healing a House Divided. One of symposiums I attended was called Language, Culture and Politics: How Groups Influence and Shape Public Opinion. Panelists included Daniel Ellsberg, Strategist and Analyst, renown for his Pentagon Papers uncover up. David Harris, Political Activist and Journalist who went to jail as a resister during the Vietnam War and Terry Allen Kippers, MD, a psychiatrist who works within prison systems and is an expert on terrorism. Since I live and practice in Washington, DC and in the past I have had clients connected with the government, (Who in Washington doesn’t?) I was particularly interested in parsing out my professional ethical conundrums. For example, if I have a particular political view, am I as unethical when I don’t voice it as I am voicing it within my practice? The panel raised many other questions for me to ponder. The next day I attended a workshop on Teaching and Learning from APGA Trauma Modules which focus on how to define and handle trauma including PTSD. Many of the participants were professionals who worked as healers during crisis such as rape, Katrina, 9/11, Iraq and other wars. Their stories of their lack of preparation were chilling and stand as warning signs for all of us. A few days later my eye caught the following story dated March 1, 2006 in The Washington Post

Veterans Report Mental Distress
About a Third Returning From Iraq Seek Help

Excerpts from the article state that “More than one in three soldiers and Marines who have served in Iraq later sought help for mental health problems, according to a comprehensive snapshot by Army experts of the psyches of men and women returning from the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places.” And in a quote from Steve Robinson, who heads the National Gulf War Resource Center, a nonprofit organization” Upwards of 80 to 85 percent of people serving there have witnessed or been a part of a traumatic event, including engaging the enemy, killing people, or friends or themselves being involved in IED attacks," he said, referring to improvised explosive devices. "In Vietnam, there were safe areas where people could go to rest and recuperate. That doesn't happen in Iraq; every place is a war zone."

As a professional these issues concern me. It seems to me that few who understand group think or the psychological reasons for war can sit quietly and not speak up to educate others about what they know. I am sure that issues around the war in Iraq gurgle around the insides of most Americans. Several months ago I realized that most of my social dinners, whether with republicans or democrats, ended with talk of the war or terrorism. So, I put together an evening called Vent and Do and invited 5 people. Over 30 showed up. True, this is Washington where political thought is the coin of the realm. But even in Ponte Vedra Florida where I also reside and which is far more laid back, I find people talking about these issues.

I am a working grand mom who lives a multifaceted life. I also find that as a (S)age, I need more sleep. Thus, I like you, need to prioritize and make choices about my values and how to best harness my energy to remain productive, available, competent, joyful and loving. So I stop for this evening to be able to get up for tomorrow's Pilates and work. But, look at this week’s article on the home page to get a more in depth sense of what I am talking about. I am sure many of you will identify with my challenge to prioritize. Which door do I keep open? Politics, family
work, play or sleep?

And Furthermore,And Furthermore,And Furthermore

First They Came for the Jews

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Pastor Martin Niemöller

Fitness and Vanity Go Together

As we (S)age our bodies change. Most everything sags and pounds creep on. Many of us over fifty keep trying to stay fit. When I go to the gym, a Pilates or yoga class, I am pushing myself to stay fit, but I am also vain enough to want to do and be the best that I can-according to society’s magazine glossy messages. When I exercise by myself I cheat. Not a big cheat. I just push harder when someone else is there to help me push that extra bit. I am not particularly proud of my lazy leaning personality trait. I think it is human and that I am not so very different from most others whom I know.

Society presses all of us to look good and thin remains in. This weekend I saw the play Fat Pig about a young handsome slim man who falls in love with a beautiful, lovely and smart woman who also happens to be fat. No happy ending here, he gives in to peer pressure, leaves her and the only happiness he has ever known.

So I ponder the meaning of all this as I plan to get up early tomorrow morning to go to yoga. Do birds of a feather truly flock together? Do the beautiful ones tend to ignore those who they perceive aren't? Or are some of us brave enough to follow our hearts no matter where they may lead us? Is beauty more than skin deep or are far too many individuals caught in the looks trap? I Know I will feel better after attending my yoga class. But, I ponder, how much does the looks carrot act as my lure? I am thinking about this question this evening. What do you think?