Tap the spirituality and power of amusement
“Laughter is carbonated holiness” — Anne Lammot
I did not grow up in a funny, fun family.
When I was a kid, my nickname was Kay Kay. And my sisters would tease me, saying “OK, kay kay.” When it got under my skin — which was every single time it happened — my mom helped me create this extraordinarily witty comeback:
“Stutter often?”
You know what they say about the book of Dutch humor. It doesn’t have any words on the pages.
But today, my leaderboard name on Peloton is ok_kaykay.
And I’d like you to call me Reverend Kay Kay.
This makes me giggle inside every time I think of it.
In our culture, we believe that if something is important, we must be serious.
We file in wearing black robes. We use fancy words spoken in hushed tones. We use rational arguments and cite our references.
When we discuss money. Politics. And especially religion or spirituality.
I don’t think the Catholic church is known for its sense of humor. Killing people for their religious beliefs isn’t a barrel of laughs. And original sin doesn’t make for a good time.
I was raised in the Dutch Reformed church. Not only did we go to church 3x per week, but we were forbidden to do fun things: dance, see movies, play cards.
I’ve gotten sober in Alcoholics Anonymous. We’re a bunch of drunks without booze. And we are still the life of the party.
Al Anon on the other hand? It’s a buzz kill. Helpful, sure. Definitely not funny.
Here’s what I’ve learned.
- Laughing about something that pains you helps release its hold on you.
This past week, I had to remove a person from a community I started. She had crossed boundaries to the point where others in the community were feeling harassed and unsafe.
I received a few calls from community members who heard she’d been asked to leave and didn’t know the whole story. After a couple calls, I started doubting the way I’d handled the situation.
Then, she sent me two hateful emails (that slipped through before I blocked her). The first one I read (“You’re mean. I hope something bad happens to you today.”) wounded me.
Then I read the second one that was SO OVER THE TOP HORRIBLE that it made me laugh.
And suddenly the spell, the grip of my concern about the situation and second-guessing the way I’d handled it — was broken.
It didn’t hold any power over me anymore.
Laughter diminishes the power of doubt, remorse and shame.
2. Laughter expands our channel of the Divine.
I viscerally feel the power of Source pouring through me, shining through the top of my head and through my neck and my heart, my gut and my base.
When I get serious. When I make a real effort. When I struggle, In fact when I seek, that channel narrows and the flow slows.
When I am amused, when I allow God to reveal herself to me, when I play or dance or laugh or sing or teasingly banter, that channel expands.
In that expansive space, new ideas, insights and inspiration miraculously appear. In a contracted space — well all of that feels constipated and inaccessible.
I submit that play and amusement deserve a place in our concerns that is equal to that of family, money and work.
So, I invite you to come and play with me. To make a joyous noise. To lift our hearts and our souls to God through laughter and amusement.
If you liked this content and are looking for a guide to starting your new year alcohol-free, click here.
